Mornin 



ROBERT CLUETT 




Class pV?^$-J_ 
Book..C 7 

G)pyiiglitN?_ 



COHaHGltr DEPOSIT, 



EVERY MORNING 



EVERY MORNING 

Scripture Readings and Prayers for 
Family or Individual Worship 



ROBERT CLUETT 




ASSOCIATION PRESS 

New York: 347 Madison Avbnub 
1920 






Copyright, 1920, by 

The International Committee of 

Young Men's Christian Associations 



JUN 25 1920 
©Ci.A571460 



INTRODUCTION 

THIS book of morning devotions which has been 
so carefully prepared by Mr. Cluett will re- 
ceive, I am sure, a very grateful reception from 
those into whose hands it falls, for it has been pre- 
pared with a degree of care and a knowledge of the 
use of Scripture truths which will warm the heart, 
enlighten the mind, and quicken response. 

We are thinking today more than in recent 
years of the quiet hour and gaining anew the true 
meaning of special meditation. If the Saviour 
could not do His busy work, condensed into those 
three years of active service, without constant 
and repeated retirement in body and in mind that 
He might meditate and pray, we err in trying to 
meet our lesser responsibilities by any other method. 
Well has it been said recently, "We can do nothing 
before we pray.'' 

We shall find in this volume scriptural truth and 
prayer closely related thereto by a wisdom in the selec- 
tion of its topical arrangements which will appeal to 
all of us, as we consider our need and relate it to the 
large responsibilities of this day and generation. 

When Austin Phelps gave to the world "'The 
Still Hour," there was a timely response in every 
heart and the many kindred devotional works 

[5] 



which have come from the lives of men of piety 
and action have ever influenced their day to men's 
need of possessing their souls in quietness and con- 
fidence. The turmoil and disorder we see all 
about us in our land and abroad; the nebulous 
matter that clouds our clear vision into the dis- 
tances — all suggest the need of faith and service 
vv^hich have the receptivity, mentality, and spiritu- 
ality of photographic plate. The great distances 
of the heavens and the stars of smaller magnitude 
are reproduced through the evidence of photography 
in the present magnifying power, which has opened 
a new heavens by the adjustments and appliances of 
the telescope. Thus today the Holy Spirit is show- 
ing us the distances and vastnesses and actualities of 
faith, through the far and near approaches of prayer, 
influenced and associated with the Word of God. 

This little book will open new realms of light 
and distance to those who meditate thereon, and 
will not only enrich our Christian experience day 
by day, but will give us added anticipations of 
vision in the realm of the divine Word. If our 
eye be single. He has promised that our whole 
body shall be full of light. If the Word of God 
is related aright to the duties of each recurring 
day, we shall find in "the trivial round, the common 
task ... a road to bring us daily nearer God.'' 

John Timothy Stone. 



[6] 



FOREWORD 

THERE never was greater need than today 
for family prayer, and yet it is lacking in 
many Christian homes. Among the various reasons 
assigned for this are the following: Not sufficient 
time before or after breakfast; the need of haste 
in the morning, to avoid being late at office or 
school; the feeling on the part of the head of the 
family that he is not gifted in prayer, and if he 
were to attempt to conduct family prayer he would 
be heard saying much the same thing each day, 
and consequently it would become monotonous to 
those who heard him. 

To meet these p&ssible difficulties, this collec- 
tion of Scripture readings and prayers has been 
prepared. Not more than five minutes is required 
for each reading and prayer. 

To add to the interest in the Bible reading, the 
topic is given each time. An attempt is made to 
have the prayers in harmony with the Scripture 
selections, the endeavor being to make practical 
application of the truths presented. It is hoped 
this method may tend not only to fix the Bible 
message in the mind, but also to make practical 
the use of it in the experience of each day. 

The book goes forth with the devout prayer that 
God will use it in blessing many a Christian home. 

Robert Cluett, 

m 



EVERY MORNING 



[91 



SUNDAY 

THE GLORY OF GOD 

Psalm 19 

THE heavens declare the glory of God; and the firma- 
ment sheweth his handywork. 

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night 
sheweth knowledge. 

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is 
not heard. 

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their 
words to the end of the world. . . . 

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: 
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the 
simple. 

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : 
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the 
eyes. 

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the 
judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much 
fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 

Moreover by them is thy servant warned : and in keep- 
ing of them there is great reward. 

Who can imderstand his errors? cleanse thou me from 
secret faults. 

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; 
let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be 
upright, and I shall be innocent from the great trans- 
gression. 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my 
heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, mv strength, 
and my redeemer. 

[10] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



WE bring to Thee, our Father, our offering 
of praise this Sabbath morning. For Thy 
protecting care the past week we are grateful, and 
as we enter upon the Lord's day may we feel the 
gracious influence of Thy Holy Spirit. We desire 
to keep the day holy, and to worship Thee in spirit 
and in truth. We thank Thee that Thou hast 
set apart one day in seven for rest, when we may 
lay aside the busy cares of life, and may turn our 
thoughts more fully to things that have to do 
with Thy Kingdom. Go with us, we pray Thee, 
to the place of worship, and may no distracting 
thoughts keep us from engaging with all our hearts 
and minds in prayer and praise. We ask for Thy 
blessing upon Thy servants who preach the Word, 
and upon all who endeavor to teach it. Graciously 
remember those who are denied the privilege of 
uniting with Thy people in public worship. May 
they find Thee near, and have sweet communion 
with Thee. Be pleased to bestow Thy blessing upon 
all the members of our family this day, and may 
the love of Christ dwell in them richly. In the 
name of Jesus. Amen. 



[11] 



MONDAY 

JESUS TEACHES HUMILITY 

John 13: 1-15 

NOW before the feast of the passover, when Jesus 
knew that his hour was come that he should de- 
part out of this world unto the Father, having loved 
his own which were in the world, he loved them unto 
the end. 

And supper being ended, the devil having now put 
into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to be- 
tray him; 

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things 
into his hands, and that he was come from God, and 
went to God; 

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; 
and took a towel, and girded himself. 

After that he poureth water into a basin, and began 
to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the 
towel wherewith he was girded. . . . 

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his 
garments, and was set down again, he said unto them. 
Know ye what I have done to you? 

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for 
so I am. 

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your 
feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 

For I have given you an example, that ye should do 
as I have done to you. 



[12] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

ALMIGHTY God, we wtrship and praise Thy 
Holy Name for the great gift of Thy Word. 
As followers of Thine, we ask for grace to endeavor 
to live in accordance with the teaching of Jesus. 
May we see in His example of humble service, 
that He would have us act in a spirit of self-sac- 
rificing humility. We are Thy servants, and when 
we are called upon for service may we render it 
gladly, knowing that even the smallest and lowli- 
est service becomes exalted, if offered in the name 
of Jesus. We are prone to feel our dignity, even 
when we do not assert it. Help us to walk humbly 
before Thee, and before our fellowmen. Cleanse 
our hearts, we beseech Thee, and make them Thy 
temples, where Thou shalt reign and rule, and may 
we be true to Thee in all the duties of this day. 
We realize that too often we manifest a spirit that 
is not Christlike. Help us in all holy endeavor 
to lead lives of nearness to Thee, and may we be 
faithful to the duties of Christian citizenship, and 
render to the community in which we live that 
service that will be helpful to all, and that will 
exalt the name of Jesus Christ. For His sake. 
Amen. 



[13] 



TUESDAY 

WALKING IN THE LIGHT 

John 1: 5-10; 2: 1-6 

THIS then is the message which we have heard of 
him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and 
in him is no darkness at all. 

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk 
in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we 
have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus 
Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
and the truth is not in us. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for- 
give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a 
liar, and his word is not in us. . . . 

My little children, these things write I unto you, 
that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advo- 
cate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : 

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for 
ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we 
keep his commandments. 

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his com- 
mandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love 
of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also 
so to walk, even as he walked. 



[14] 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

OGOD, Thou who |rt the Author of Light, 
we praise Thee that Jesus came with the 
message, God is Light, and in Him is no darkness 
at all. Thou dost give us the privilege of walking 
in the light, of living lives of holiness, and of having 
the joy and comfort of the religion of Jesus Christ. 
As the light of the sun has life-giving qualities, so 
may the light of Thy truth shine in our hearts and 
quicken within us right impulses and holy desires. 
We thank Thee for the great promise that if we 
confess our sins, Jesus Christ is faithful and just 
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness. Help us to apply the test of 
fellowship with Him that Thy word gives, "Hereby 
we do know that we know him, if we keep his com- 
mandments.'' We would earnestly pray with the 
Psalmist, "Make me to go in the path of thy com- 
mandments, for therein do I delight.'' Hear our 
prayer, our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, 
our Saviour, Amen. 



[15] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRECEPTS AND PROMISES 

Matt. 7: 1-12 

JUDGE not, that ye be not judged. 
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be 
judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be 
measured to you again. 

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's 
eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother. Let me pull out 
the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine 
own eye? 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine 
own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out 
the mote out of thy brother's eye. 

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither 
cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them 
under their feet, and turn again and rend you. 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh 
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask 
bread, will he give him a stone? 

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall your Father 
which is in heaven give good things to them that ask 
him? 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the 
law and the prophets. 

[16] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, Thou who *rt the Judge of all 
men, deliver us, we pray Thee, from harsh 
judgment of others. Our Lord has said, ''With 
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged." 
Our judgment is sometimes hasty and unkind. 
As we crave kindly judgment for ourselves, may 
we avoid unjust judgment and criticism of others. 
We praise Thee for the many great promises Thou 
hast given us. We have need to remember that 
the fulfilment of many of these promises depends 
upon our attitude regarding them. There is some- 
thing for us to do. If we ask, we shall receive; 
If we seek, we shall find; if we knock, it shall be 
opened unto us. O that we might more fully real- 
ize that Thy choicest gifts are within our reach, 
and that Jesus made the conditions on which we 
may secure them so plain and simple: Ask, Seek, 
Knock. We can all do that, O Lord, and then 
what gracious gifts we shall receive; what mar- 
velous treasure we shall find in Thy fulfilled prom- 
ises! May we ever turn to Thy promises for com- 
fort and strength. In the name of Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



[17] 



THURSDAY 

THE GREAT COMMISSION 

Matt. 28: 16-20; Mark 16: 19, 20 

THEN the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, 
into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but 
some doubted. 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying. All 
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost: 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I 
have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world. . . . 

So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he 
was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand 
of God. 

And they went forth, and preached every where, the 
Lord working with them, and confirming the word with 
signs following. Amen. 



[181 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR thoughts turn to Thee, this morning, our 
Lord and Master, at the very beginning of 
the day. Our sleep has been undisturbed by ill- 
ness or danger; our bodily strength has been re- 
newed, and we are physically prepared for our 
daily tasks. We seek Thy grace, that we may be 
spiritually prepared for the day's duties. As the 
disciples of old were commissioned by our risen 
Lord to go and make disciples of all nations, so 
are we commissioned to make Him known to those 
at home, and to those in distant lands. May we 
strive to make the Saviour known to those about 
us, by our devotion, and by the practice of the 
precepts that He teaches. Increase our interest 
in home and foreign missions. We pray daily for 
the coming of Thy Kingdom. Give us a larger 
faith, we beseech Thee, that we may expect our 
prayers to be answered, and may we do all we 
can to bring the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
to those who are in darkness, and Thy Name shall 
have the praise, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
Amen. 



[19] 



FRIDAY 

THE GOSPEL IN ANTIOCH 

Acts 11: 19-30 

NOW they which were scattered abroad upon the 
persecution that arose about Stephen travelled 
as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching 
the word to none but unto the Jews only. . . . 

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of 
the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth 
Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, 
was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of 
heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost 
and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 

And when he had found him, he brought him unto 
Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they 
assembled themselves with the church, and taught 
much people. And the disciples were called Christians 
first in Antioch. 

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem 
unto Antioch. 

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and 
signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth 
throughout all the world: which came to pass in the 
days of Claudius Cesar. 

Then the disciples, every man according to his abil- 
ity, determined to send relief unto the brethren which 
dwelt in Judea: 

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the 
hands of Barnabas and Saul. 

m 



o 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

UR Lord and Master, our hearts are stirred, 
not only by what the early disciples suffered 
in the defense of the religion of Jesus Christ, but 
also by their courage and their devotion and faith. 
Sacrificing all in the Saviour's name, and enduring 
privation, they were enabled by Thee to lay the 
foundation of the Christian Church. We thank 
Thee, that though they were first called Christians 
in derision, the title has become an honored and 
glorious one. Thou hast called us to be Chris- 
tians, Christ's followers, and we desire so to live 
each day that it may be seen that we are striving 
to walk in the footsteps of Christ, our Saviour. 
We ask for grace to enable us to exercise self-con- 
trol. Forbid that any provocation should cause 
us to be inconsiderate or unkind in what we think 
or what we do. Help us to discern the good in 
others, and to see how faulty we ourselves are. 
O Thou Saviour of men, manifest Thyself in us 
today. For the sake of Him whom we love, Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



[21] 



SATURDAY 

HEROES OF FAITH 

Heb. 11: 17-27 

BY faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up 
Isaac: and he that had received the promises of- 
fered up his only begotten son. 

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed 
be called: 

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even 
from the dead; from whence also he received him in 
a figure. 

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning 
things to come. 

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both 
the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the 
top of his staff. 

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the 
departing of the children of Israel; and gave command- 
ment concerning his bones. 

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three 
months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper 
child; and they were not afraid of the king's command- 
ment. 

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused 
to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 

Choosing rather to suffer aflBiiction with the people 
of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than 
the treasiu'es in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recom- 
pense of the reward. 

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of 
the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

[22] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



THOU God of our fathers, we offer Thee our 
praise this morning for this record of Old 
Testament heroes of faith. By Thy grace, they 
counted nothing too diflBcult for Thee to do, and 
in accepting the promises given them they endured 
hardships and chose to suffer affliction with the 
people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures 
of sin for a season. May what they achieved in 
Thy name, make evident to us the wonderful possi- 
bilities of faith. No matter how difficult the tasks 
Thou dost give us to do, may we enter upon them 
with faith, knowing that nothing is impossible of 
achievement that Thou dost bid us do. Wherefore 
seeing we also are compassed about with so great 
a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, 
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and 
let us run with patience the race that is set before 
us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of 
our faith. We ask for Thy blessing upon those 
who hold official responsibility in our land. May 
they realize the sacredness of their calling, and 
may they render faithful service. Help us as cit- 
izens to uphold them in every right endeavor, and 
may our influence always be exerted on the side 
of righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[23] 



SUNDAY 

KEEPING THE SABBATH 

Neh. 13: 15-22 

IN those days saw I in Judah some treading wine- 
presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, 
and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and 
all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jeru- 
salem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them 
in the day wherein they sold victuals. . . . 

Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said 
unto them, What evil thing i this that ye do, and pro- 
fane the sabbath day? 

Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring 
all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring 
more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. 

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem 
began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that 
the gates should be shut, and charged that they should 
not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my 
servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden 
be brought in on the sabbath day. 

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged 
without Jerusalem once or twice. 

Then I testified against them, and said unto them. 
Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will 
lay hands on you. From that time forth came they 
no more on the sabbath. 

And I commanded the Levites, that they should 
cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep 
the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, 
O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according 
to the greatness of thy mercy. 

m 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR God and Father, we bow in reverent wor- 
ship and prayer, and we rejoice in the coming 
of another Sabbath. We have Thy commandment, 
''Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," and 
we would make the day not only a day of rest 
from our busy occupations of the week, but also 
one of devout praise and worship. As in Nehe- 
miah's day, so now Thy holy day is being profaned, 
and many are seeking to make it a day of profit 
and amusement. God grant that the prayers of 
Thy people may be answered, and that the pre- 
vailing disregard of the sacredness of the Sabbath 
day may cease. We ask for Thy blessing upon the 
efforts being made to restore the Sabbath to its 
rightful purpose. We beseech Thee, quicken the 
consciences of Thy followers, that they themselves 
may set such examples of obedience to Thy com- 
mand to keep the day holy, that others may have 
a larger respect for its sanctity. Manifest Thyself 
graciously to every company of worshipers today, 
and may Jesus Christ be praised. Amen. 



[25] 



MONDAY 

THE RESURRECTION 

Luke 24: 1-12 

NOW upon the first day of the week, very early in 
the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bring- 
ing the spices which they had prepared, and certain 
others with them. 

And they found the stone rolled away from the 
sepulchre. 

And they entered in, and found not the body of the 
Lord Jesus. 

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there- 
about, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces 
to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the 
living among the dead.f^ 

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake 
unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the 
hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day 
rise again. And they remembered his words. 

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these 
things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the 
mother of James, and other women that were with them, 
which told these things unto the apostles. 

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they 
believed them not. 

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and 
stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by them- 
selves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which 
was come to pass. 

[26] 



MONDAY 



PRAYER 



WE praise Thee, our Heavenly Father, for the 
announcement, ''He is risen." We thank 
Thee for the empty tomb, and for the victory over 
death gained for us by our Saviour. As we con- 
template His mastery over the last enemy, may all 
fear of death be taken away, and may we be un- 
afraid to go where the feet of Jesus have trod. 
We can safely trust ourselves and our loved ones 
to Thy keeping, whether in this life or in the life 
that is beyond. We rejoice in a living Saviour, and 
we praise Thee that though He was crucified, dead, 
and buried. He arose again from the dead, ascended 
into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, 
the Father Almighty. We know that our Redeemer 
liveth, and we pray that He may live in us, and 
that we may live in Him. We ask for His presence 
this day in all our undertakings, and may we re- 
member that He is ever ready to come to our aid 
as Guide and Friend. Hear us, our Father, in 
His name. Amen. 



[27] 



TUESDAY 

THE GREAT INVITATION 

Rev. 22: 8-17 

AND I John saw these things, and heard them. And 
when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship 
before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 

Then saith he unto me. See thou do it not: for I am 
thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and 
of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 

And he saith unto me. Seal not the sayings of the 
prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still : and he which 
is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, 
let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be 
holy still. 

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with 
me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, 
the first and the last. 

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that 
they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter 
in through the gates into the city. 

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, 
and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and 
maketh a lie. 

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these 
things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring 
of David, and the bright and morning star. 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let 
him that heareth say. Come. And let him that is athirst 
come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of 
life freely. 

[28] 



w 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

E thank Thee, our Father, for the vision of 
heaven Thou didst give Thy beloved dis- 
ciple John. Open our eyes, we beseech Thee, that 
we may catch a glimpse of the things Thou hast 
prepared for them that love Thee. We rejoice in 
that blessed word, "Come," and in the assurance 
that the gracious invitation is extended by our 
Lord, by Thy Holy Spirit, and by Thy Church. 
We praise Thee that the invitation is so broad; 
that those who hear, those who thirst, and whoso- 
ever will, may come. That all nations, kindreds, 
and peoples may hear the invitation, wilt Thou 
bless the work of all missionaries of Thy Word, 
whether in home or foreign lands. Thou hast 
fulfilled Thy promise of Christ's coming, for He is 
ever coming to us in our need. He has come with 
forgiving love, with comfort in sorrow, with healing 
in sickness, with strength for service, and in blessed 
companionship. We devoutly pray. Even so, come. 
Lord Jesus. Amen. 



[29] 



WEDNESDAY 

PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON 

Acts 12: 1-9 

NOW about that time Herod the king stretched 
forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 

And he killed James the brother of John with the 
sword. 

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded 
further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of 
unleavened bread.) 

And when he had apprehended him, he put him m 
prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers 
to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth 
to the people. 

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was 
made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the 
same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, 
bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door 
kept the prison. 

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, 
and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter 
on the side, and raised him up, saying. Arise up quickly. 
And his chains fell oflE from his hands. 

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind 
on thy sandals: and so he did. And he saith unto him. 
Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not 
that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought 
he saw a vision. 



[30] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

WE thank Thee, our Father, that Thou art 
ever mindful of Thy children, and that 
Peter's trust in Thee was so complete that he could 
sleep calmly while bound and in prison. We thank 
Thee, too, for the ministering angel Thou didst 
send, to shatter the chains that bound him and to 
lead him beyond prison doors. We praise Thee 
for this gracious answer to the prayers of the Church 
for Peter's release. Give us, we beseech Thee, a 
firm trust in Thee, no matter how discouraging the 
circumstances may be. We know that Thou dost 
ever behold us, and that Thou art ever ready to 
give deliverance. We pray Thee, deliver us from 
the power of the tempter when he seeks to gain 
control, and may we turn to Thee for strength to 
gain the victory. We are grateful for Thy good- 
ness toward us as a family, and for the love and 
helpfiilness of each member. May our home be 
a foretaste of that home which our Lord has gone 
to prepare for those who love Him. For His sake. 
Amen. 



[31] 



THURSDAY 

JESUS THE TRUE VINE 

John 15: 1-11 

1AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he 
taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he 
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 

Now ye are clean through the word which I have 
spoken unto you. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot 
bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more 
can ye, except ye abide in me. 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth 
in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: 
for without me ye can do nothing. 

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, 
and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them 
into the fire, and they are burned. 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye 
shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much 
fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: 
continue ye in my love. 

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my 
love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, 
and abide in his love. 

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy 
might remain in you, and that your joy might be fulL 



[32] 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



WE come into Thy presence this morning, 
our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, 
our Saviour. By Thy grace we are privileged to 
have vital, life-giving union with Christ. As a 
branch separated from the vine cannot bear fruit, 
so we are fruitless disciples when separated from 
Christ. Abiding in Him, we have the promise that 
we shall bear much fruit to Thy glory. May we 
manifest the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, 
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meek- 
ness, temperance. We praise Thee that we may 
have Jesus abiding in us, and that we may abide 
in Him. With this blessed relationship, we shall 
have the joy of our Lord in our hearts, a joy the 
world can neither give nor take from us. Help us, 
we entreat Thee, that we may be fruitful and 
joyful followers of the Master. Be pleased to rule 
in the hearts of all men, that in their everyday rela- 
tions the spirit of our Lord shall be made manifest. 
In His name. Amen. 



[33] 



FRIDAY 

GOD'S LOVING CARE 

Matt. 6: 24-33 

NO man can serve two masters: for either he will 
hate the one, and love the other; or else he will 
hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve 
God and mammon. 

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your 
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet 
for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life 
more than meat, and the body than raiment? 

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither 
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly 
Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than 
they? . . . 

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider 
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither 
do they spin: 

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his 
glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, 
which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, 
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? 
or. What shall we drink? or. Wherewithal shall we be 
clothed? 

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for 
your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of 
all these things. 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his right- 
eousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

[34] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



INFINITE and Loving Father, help us to treas- 
ure these gracious words spoken by our Saviour. 
How often our hearts are troubled, and how need- 
lessly we allow ourselves to be anxious! Forbid 
that we should forget that we are the subjects of 
Thy tenderest care, and may we remember that 
Thou art our Father and that we are Thy children. 
Thou who dost give to the flowers of the field their 
beauty, and who dost clothe the grass of the field, 
surely Thou dost care for Thy children. The fowls 
of the air, that neither sow nor reap, nor gather 
into barns, are cared for by Thee, and not a sparrow 
falls to the ground without Thy knowledge. Help 
us, O Lord, to see the futility of anxiety and care 
concerning the needful things of each day, and 
give us grace to seek first the Kingdom of God and 
His righteousness, assured that all needful things 
will be added unto us. We look to Thee with hum- 
ble confidence to supply the daily need of both 
soul and body. May our trust in Thee never be 
shaken. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[851 



SATURDAY 

THE LAMB OF GOD 

John 1: 19-29 

AND this is the record of John, when the Jews sent 
priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 
Who art thou? 

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, 
I am not the Christ. 

And they asked him. What then? Art thou EHas? 
And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And 
he answered, No. 

Then said they unto him. Who art thou? that we may 
give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou 
of thyself? 

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilder- 
ness. Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the 
prophet Esaias. 

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why bap- 
tizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, 
neither that prophet? 

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: 
but there standeth one among you, whom ye know 
not; 

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, 
whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, 
where John was baptizing. 

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and 
saith. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the 
sin of the world. 



[36] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



WE thank Thee this morning, our Father, 
that Jesus revealed Himself to Thy servant 
of old as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the 
sin of the world. He made the great atonement 
on the cross that we might have remission of our 
sins. May we not only be moved with compassion 
as we contemplate His suffering and sacrifice, but 
may we be impressed anew by the matchless love 
of Jesus Christ. Greater love hath no man than 
this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 
Our Lord has said, ''Ye are my friends, if ye do 
whatsoever I command you.'' What great honor is 
this, that we should be called the friends of God! 
Holy Father, help us to follow Thee in humble 
obedience, and to find delight in doing Thy will. 
We pray that the compassionate love of Jesus, our 
Saviour, may be manifested toward all who suffer. 
To those who are troubled in mind or body, and 
to those who are carrying heavy burdens, may the 
presence of Jesus, and His readiness to share their 
burdens, be very real. For His sake. Amen. 



[37] 



SUNDAY 

CRYING UNTO GOD 

Psalm 77: 1-13 

1 CRIED unto God with my voice, even unto God 
with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. 

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore 
ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be 
comforted. 

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, 
and my spirit was overwhelmed. 

Thou boldest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled 
that I cannot speak. 

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient 
times. 

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I com- 
mune with mine own heart: and my spirit made dili- 
gent search. 

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favour- 
able no more? 

Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail 
for evermore? 

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger 
shut up his tender mercies? 

And I said. This is my infirmity: but I will remember 
the years of the right hand of the Most High. 

I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will 
remember thy wonders of old. 

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy 
doings. 

Thy way, God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great 
a God as our God? 



[38] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



ALMIGHTY God, our Father, because of Thy 
loving kindness we are brought to the be- 
ginning of another Sabbath day. We thank Thee 
for days of work and days of rest. We pray for 
a clearer understanding of the meaning of Thy 
holy day, and for a more sincere desire to observe 
it in a manner that shall be well pleasing to Thee. 
Create within our hearts a greater longing for 
spiritual things. We thank Thee that we may 
know the blessedness of the friendship and fellow- 
ship of Jesus Christ, and that we may walk with 
Him and have His abiding presence. Inspire the 
preaching and teaching of Thy Word this day. 
Like seed sown upon good ground, may Thy truth 
find lodgment in minds and hearts, and bring forth 
abundant fruit to Thy glory. Help us. Thou Lord 
of the Sabbath, to gain a spirit of worship and help- 
fulness, and may mercy and compassion control 
our motives, that the day may be filled with praise 
and service, and to Thee we will give the glory, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



[39] 



MONDAY 

THE CHILD JESUS 

Luke 2: 41-52 

NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at 
the feast of the passover. 

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to 
Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they re- 
turned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; 
and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 

But they, supposing him to have been in the com- 
pany, went a day's journey; and they sought him among 
their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 

And when they found him not, they turned back again 
to Jerusalem, seeking him. 

And it came to pass, that after three days they found 
him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, 
both hearing them, and asking them questions. 

And all that heard him were astonished at his under- 
standing and answers. 

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his 
mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with 
us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought 
me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 

And they understood not the saying which he spake 
unto them. 

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, 
and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all 
these sayings in her heart. 

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in 
favour with God and man. 

[40] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

MOST Merciful Father, we thank Thee that 
Jesus was once a Httle child, and that even 
in His childhood He was deeply interested in the 
things of God. May His question ring in our 
ears today, "Wist ye not that I must be about my 
Father's business?" In our eagerness concerning 
the business of each day, whether in office or shop 
or home, help us. Lord, not to neglect our Father's 
business, but to remember that there is no greater 
thing that we can do than to be occupied in our 
Master's work. Teach us that we are about our 
Father's business when we minister to His children 
in response to the appeal which their need makes. 
We know that the ways of service are many, and 
that not a day passes without opportunities for 
doing good. We commend to Thy loving care those 
who are dear to us, praying that they may be under 
the shadow of Thy wings. In the name of Jesus 
Christ, our Saviour. Amen, 



[411 



TUESDAY 

THE FIRST DISCIPLES 

John 1: 35-46 

AGAIN the next day after John stood, and two of 
his disciples; 

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Be- 
hold the Lamb of God! 

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they 
followed Jesus. 

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and 
saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him. 
Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) 
where dwellest thou? 

He saith unto them. Come and see. They came and 
saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for 
it was about the tenth hour. 

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed 
him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto 
him. We have found the Messias, which is, being inter- 
preted, the Christ. 

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld 
him, he said. Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou 
shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. 

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, 
and findeth Philip, and saith unto him. Follow me. . . . 

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him. We 
have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the 
prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 

And Nathanael said imto him. Can there any good 
thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him. 
Come and see. 

[42] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Heavenly Father, we are grateful this 
morning for the message Thou hast given us. 
As Jesus spoke to these first disciples, asking, 
"What seek ye?'' so we may believe He often asks 
us that question. We are ever seeking, some- 
times for things we should not desire. May our 
quest always be for those things that will enrich 
our lives and make us more eflScient in Thy service. 
Help us, Lord, to seek first the Kingdom of God 
and His righteousness. We give Thee sincere thanks 
that we have been called to discipleship, and that 
we may have the privilege of seeking and finding 
other followers of the Master. We offer Thee our 
thanksgiving, that, as Jesus sought Philip, so our 
Saviour sought and found us. He has called us 
to be His witnesses, and we may testify for Him, 
both by what we say and by the manner in which 
we live. We desire to follow Him in humble service, 
and we would ever be found in ways in which our 
Lord would have us walk. We devoutly pray that 
the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed 
throughout the whole earth. For His sake. Amen. 



[43] 



WEDNESDAY 

THE PARALYTIC HEALED 

Mark 2: 1-12 

AND again he entered into Capernaum after some 
days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 

And straightway many were gathered together, inso- 
much that there was no room to receive them. . . . 

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the 
palsy, which was borne of four. 

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the 
press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when 
they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein 
the sick of the palsy lay. 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick 
of the palsy. Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, 
and reasoning in their hearts. 

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can 
forgive sins but God only.^ 

And immediately, when Jesus perceived in his spirit 
that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto 
them. Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, 
Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take 
up thy bed, and walk? 

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on 
earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 

I say unto thee. Arise, and take up thy bed, and go 
thy way into thine house. 

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went 
forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, 
and glorified God, saying. We never saw it on this fashion. 

[44] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



OLORD Most High, we come to Thee, Thou 
who art the source of every blessing, praying 
that Thou wilt cleanse our hearts from all sin, and 
make them fit for the presence of Thy Holy Spirit. 
May the lesson this morning teach us afresh that 
we may bear our friends into the very presence 
of Jesus, where healing and grace may be found. 
May we not only feel the stirring of sympathy 
when we behold suffering and need, but may we 
also do all in our power for the relief of Thy needy 
ones. May we count it an exalted privilege thus 
to walk in the footsteps of our Redeemer, who dur- 
ing His earthly life went about doing good. We 
know that many doors of usefulness are open to 
us, and we pray that we may gladly enter them, 
carrying the spirit of our Master. May Thy heal- 
ing hand be laid upon those who are suffering be- 
cause of illness, and may the comfort of Thy presence 
be vouchsafed to those who sorrow. In Jesus' 
name. Amen. 



[45] 



THURSDAY 

FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND 

John 6: 5-14 

T 71 THEN Jesus then hfted up his eyes, and saw a 

V V great company come unto him, he saith unto 

Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew 
what he would do. 

Philip answered him. Two hundred pennyworth of 
bread is not suflScient for them, that every one of them 
may take a little. 

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, 
saith unto him. 

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, 
and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 

And Jesus said. Make the men sit down. Now there 
was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, 
in number about five thousand. 

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given 
thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples 
to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes 
as much as they would. 

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather 
up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 

Therefore they gathered them together, and filled 
twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley 
loaves, which remained over and above unto them that 
had eaten. 

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that 
Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that 
should come into the world. 



[46] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

WE thank Thee, our Father, that Jesus cared 
not only for the souls of men, but for 
their bodies also, and that His compassion moved 
Him to feed the five thousand. We are glad that 
in performing this great miracle He used what a 
little boy gave Him. We cannot wonder that of 
the five loaves and two fishes the disciples asked, 
**What are they among so many?" Our Heavenly 
Father, when we are inclined to think that what 
we have to offer is so small that our Lord can do 
little with it, help us to take into account what it 
may accomplish if placed in His hands. Whether 
what we have be much or little, we pray for grace 
to offer it gladly when Thou dost ask for it. We 
would offer Thee ourselves, our hearts, our love, 
and all that we possess. Our Father, wilt Thou 
take all, and may it be consecrated to Thy service, 
and the glory shall be Thine, through Jesus Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 



[471 



FRIDAY 

PAUL'S LIFE STORY 

II Cor. 11: 17-30 

THAT which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, 
but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 

Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are 
wise. . . . 

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had 
been weak. Howbeit, whereinsoever any is bold, (I 
speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites.^ so 
am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool,) 
I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above 
measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, 
thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have 
been in the deep; 

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of 
robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by 
the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilder- 
ness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in 
hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 

Beside those things that are without, that which 
Cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, 
and I burn not? 

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which 
concern mine infirmities. 

[48] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



ALMIGHTY God, Source of every blessing, 
forbid that we should bow before Thee 
simply because it is our habit to pray morning and 
evening. Rather may we approach Thee because 
it is our sincere desire to render Thee praise and 
thanksgiving for all Thy lovingkindness toward us. 
We thank Thee for the grace given Thy servant 
Paul that enabled him to endure opposition, beat- 
ings, cold, hunger and thirst, and many perils, and 
that he gloried in tribulations, making little ac- 
count of them if only he might preach Christ and 
Him crucified. We ask that we may have some 
measure of the devotion to our Lord that he mani- 
fested, and that we may be willing to suffer if need 
be for the sake of our Lord and Master. Too often 
we consider our own pleasure and comfort when 
some sacrifice is called for. We realize our need 
of a more complete consecration to Thee and to 
Thy service. We would love Thee so deeply that 
we shall not count the cost of any sacrifice for which 
Thou dost call. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[49] 



SATURDAY 

THE COMFORT OF JESUS 

John 14: 1-11 

LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, 
believe also in me. 

In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were 
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place 
for you. 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come 
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, 
there ye may be also. 

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

Thomas saith unto him. Lord, we know not whither 
thou goest; and how can we know the way? 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and 
the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father 
also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen 
him. 

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and 
it suflSceth us. 

Jesus saith unto him. Have I been so long time with 
you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that 
hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how say est 
thou then. Shew us the Father? 

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the 
Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak 
not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he 
doeth the works. 

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father 
in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 

[50] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

MOST Gracious God, our Father, we thank 
Thee for these comforting words of Jesus. 
We need not let our hearts be troubled; we believe 
in Thee, and in Jesus Christ, our Lord. We praise 
Thee for the assurance that our Saviour has gone 
to prepare a place for us, that where He is, there 
we may be also. We may well express our grati- 
tude that Jesus desires us to be with Him. For 
this cause He came into the world, that He might 
draw all men unto Himself. Help us to see that 
we may be with Him in our daily affairs; we may 
have His companionship in the home, on the street, 
and in our everyday occupations. Abide with us, 
we pray Thee, loving Saviour, and may we be 
conscious of Thy presence each hour of the day. 
Help us to do the things we ought to do, and keep 
us from doing the things we should not do. Only 
by Thy grace shall we be able to accomplish the 
work Thou hast assigned us. We thank Thee for 
the joy of service. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[51] 



SUNDAY 

SABBATH OBSERVANCE 

Luke 6: 1-12 

AND it came to pass on the second sabbath after 
the jBrst, that he went through the corn fields; 
and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, 
rubbing them in their hands. 

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why- 
do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath 
days? 

And Jesus answering them said. Have ye not read 
so much as this, what David did, when himself was 
a hungered, and they which were with him; 

How he went into the house of God, and did take 
and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that 
were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the 
priests alone? 

And he said unto them. That the Son of man is Lord 
also of the sabbath. 

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he 
entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was 
a man whose right hand was withered. . . . 

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; 
Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do 
evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto 
the man. Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and 
his hand was restored whole as the other. 

And they were filled with madness; and communed 
one with another what they might do to Jesus. 

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a 
mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 

m 



w 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

E come before Thee, our God and Father, 
to present our offering of adoration and 
praise. We praise and magnify Thy Holy Name 
for the glorious hope Thou hast given us, through 
Jesus Christ, our Saviour. May we have grace 
to interpret rightly what Jesus meant when He 
said, "The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." 
If we ever have any question as to how we should 
spend the Sabbath, may we seek the answer in Thy 
Word, and in the example of Jesus during His 
earthly life. We are not only commanded to 
keep the day holy, but our Lord has made known 
what He did on the Sabbath, and we thus learn 
what use we should make of the day. We may 
imitate Him by following His custom of worshiping 
God in His house. We know that on the Sab- 
bath He was wont to minister to those who were 
suffering from bodily ailments. We can imitate 
Him in helpful ministrations to Thy children who 
need comfort and help. We ask that the love of 
Christ may so govern us this day that each hour 
shall be filled with praise and service. In the 
name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[53] 



MONDAY 

A FATHER'S LOVE 

Psalm 103: 1-13 

BLESS the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within 
me, bless his holy name. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his 
benefits: 

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all 
thy diseases; 

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crown- 
eth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that 
thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for 
all that are oppressed. 

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto 
the children of Israel. 

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and 
plenteous in mercy. 

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his 
anger for ever. 

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded 
us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is 
his mercy toward them that fear him. 

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he re- 
moved our transgressions from us. 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth 
them that fear him. 



[54] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

OTHOU Almighty One, we praise Thee that 
Thou dost make Thyself known as a loving 
Father. We thank Thee for the comfort we have 
found in the assurance that like as a father pitieth 
his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear 
Him. As children, we know the meaning of father 
and mother, love and pity, and we know that this 
parental love is but a faint type of Thy great love 
for Thy children. We would respond to Thy won- 
derful and unfailing love by striving to render to 
Thee all the love of which we are capable. How 
forbearing Thy love for us has been! How great 
have been Thy mercy and kindness toward us ! Thou 
hast been patient and kind, notwithstanding our 
waywardness and sin. We humbly crave forgive- 
ness for all our transgressions, and we pray for 
grace to manifest toward others a spirit of for- 
bearance and kindness. We commend to Thy 
loving care all those whom we hold dear. In 
Jesus' name. Amen. 



[551 



TUESDAY 

THE BEATITUDES 

Matt. 5: 1-12 

AND seeing the multitudes, he went up into a moun- 
tain: and when he was set, his disciples came 
unto him: 

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be com- 
forted. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 
righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called 
the children of God. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous- 
ness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and perse- 
cute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you 
falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your re- 
ward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets 
which were before you. 



[56] 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father, make vivid to our eyes this scene 
of Jesus seated with His disciples and teach- 
ing them these great truths. We, too, would sit 
at His feet, and learn from Him concerning the 
most blessed things of life. We are poor in spirit, 
in that we are conscious of sin and in need of for- 
giveness. To such Thou dost promise Thy King- 
dom, Thy rule in heart and life. In mourning, 
whether for sin or because of some great sorrow, 
Thou hast given us this great promise of comfort. 
In meekness and gentleness, seeking the divine 
will, we have the promise of a rich inheritance. 
May we know the blessedness of hungering and 
thirsting after righteousness, that our joy may be 
full. May the mercy that we receive at Thy 
hands lead us to show a merciful spirit toward 
others. Help us, our Father, to realize that only 
the pure in heart can see God. Forbid that our 
eyes should be so blinded by sin that our vision 
of Thee should be obscured. Only by Thy grace 
may we be peacemakers, and be called the sons 
of God. As Thy followers, may we do all we can 
to promote Christian ideals in public affairs. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[57] 



WEDNESDAY 

PARABLE OF THE VIRGINS 

Matt. 25: 1-13 

THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto 
ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went 
forth to meet the bridegroom. 

And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 

They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no 
oil with them: 

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and 
slept. 

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the 
bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 

And the foolish said unto the wise. Give us of your 
oil; for our lamps are gone out. 

But the wise answered, saying. Not so; lest there be 
not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them 
that sell, and buy for yourselves. 

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; 
and they that were ready went in with him to the mar- 
riage: and the door was shut. 

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying. Lord, 
Lord, open to us. 

But he answered and said. Verily I say unto you, I 
know you not. 

Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor 
the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 



[58] 



M 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

OST Gracious Lord and Master, we would 
approach Thee reverently and with faith. 
We thank Thee for this parable given by Jesus on 
the duty of watchfulness, and we pray that the Sa- 
viour's words may find lodgment in our minds and 
hearts. We have need to watch for the coming of our 
Lord, whether He may come to bid us to share in the 
joy of service, or whether He may come to share with 
us our sorrows and disappointments. We ask for Thy 
grace, that we may be watchful as to what we think or 
say or do, that in all things we may strive to glorify 
Thee. We would ever be found watching and waiting 
for the coming of our Lord. We know not what this 
day may have in store for us, but we know that 
Jesus is our Friend, and that it is our privilege to 
have His companionship. May we not go where 
we cannot take Him with us, and wilt Thou help 
us to think of Him in all our relations with others. 
For His sake. Amen. 



[59] 



THURSDAY 

WHERE CHRIST DWELLS 

John 1:37-47 

AND the two disciples heard him speak, and they 
followed Jesus. 

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and 
saith unto them. What seek ye? They said unto him, 
Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted. Master,) 
where dwellest thou? 

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and 
saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for 
it was about the tenth hour. 

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed 
him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto 
him. We have found the Messias, which is, being inter- 
preted, the Christ. 

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld 
him, he said. Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou 
shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. 

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, 
and findeth Philip, and saith unto him. Follow me. 

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew 
and Peter. 

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him. We 
have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the 
prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 

And Nathanael said unto him. Can there any good 
thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him. 
Come and see. 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of 
him. Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 

[60] 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



WE look to Thee, our Heavenly Father, for 
Thy blessing upon us this morning. We 
bow in all humility at Thy footstool, asking for the 
forgiveness of our sins. We need not ask the 
question the disciples asked Jesus, "Master, where 
dwellest thou.^" We know that our Saviour's 
dwelling place is not only in heaven, but that we 
may have Him dwelling in our home and in our 
hearts. What a gracious privilege is ours, to have 
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, as our guest. 
May He never depart, and may we try to honor 
Him in all that transpires in our home. We know 
that where sin is, there He cannot abide. Cleanse 
our hearts then, that they may be made fit for 
the Saviour's presence. Wilt Thou shine in our 
hearts, that we may walk in the light, and be kept 
in the ways of righteousness all the days of our 
lives. Whatever may be the events of this day, 
may nothing separate us from Thee, and from 
Thy love. We pray for grace to improve every 
opportunity for service, that we may glorify Thee 
in all things. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[61] 



FRIDAY 

JESUS AND PETER 

John 21: 15-22 

SO when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than 
these? He saith unto him. Yea, Lord; thou knowest 
that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed my lambs. 

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son 
of Jonas, lovest thou me.^^ He saith unto him. Yea, 
Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto 
him, Feed my sheep. 

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, 
lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto 
him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto 
him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that 
I love thee. Jesus saith unto him. Feed my sheep. 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee. When thou wast young, 
thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou would- 
est: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth 
thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee 
whither thou wouldest not. 

This spake he, signifying by what death he should 
glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith 
unto him. Follow me. 

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom 
Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast 
at supper, and said. Lord, which is he that betrayeth 
thee? 

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall 
this man do? 

Jesus saith unto him. If I will that he tarry till I come, 
what is that to thee? follow thou me. 

[62] 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR God and Father, we are grateful for the 
mercies of another night, and for the bless- 
ings that are ours this morning. We ask for Thy 
blessing upon the reading of Thy Word. We re- 
member that though Peter thrice denied Jesus, a 
look from the Saviour was sufficient to bring re- 
pentance and tears. We praise Thee for the great 
tenderness of Jesus toward those who fall in tempta- 
tion. We are glad that we have this record of 
Peter's thrice repeated affirmation of his love for 
Jesus Christ. May we listen to our Lord when 
He asks, "Lovest thou me.^" and may we be able 
to answer as Peter did, "Lord, thou knowest all 
things; thou knowest that I love thee.'' Forbid 
that oiu* love should be so lukewarm that those 
about us will fail to recognize it, but may it be so 
real and find such expression in our daily lives that 
it will be manifest. We would have less hesitation 
in speaking to others of the love of our Saviour, 
and we pray that our fellowship with Him may be 
so close that we shall have a burning desire to lead 
others to become His disciples. May His spirit 
govern those who employ and those who are em- 
ployed, whether in the home or in places of busi- 
ness. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[63] 



SATURDAY 

JESUS IN THE HOME 

Luke 7: 36-47 

AND one of the Pharisees desired him that he would 
eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's 
house, and sat down to meat. 

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, 
when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's 
house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. 

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began 
to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the 
hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them 
with the ointment. 

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, 
he spake within himself, saying. This man, if he were a 
prophet, would have known who and what manner of 
woman this is that touched him; for she is a sinner. 

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have some- 
what to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: 
the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly for- 
gave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will 
love him most.f^ 

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom 
he forgave most. And he said unto him. Thou hast 
rightly judged. 

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, 
Seest thou this woman? . . . 

I say unto thee. Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; 
for she loved much: but, to whom little is forgiven, the 
same loveth little. 

[64] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, we offer Thee our grateful praise 
that Thou didst estabHsh the home, and 
that, when our Lord walked among men, He ut- 
tered some of His most gracious words and per- 
formed some of His greatest miracles in the homes 
He visited. We do not marvel that He sometimes 
received costly offerings of gratitude and love. 
We pray Thee, our Saviour, sanctify our home 
by Thy presence. May we always find room for 
Thee, Thou most welcome Guest, and may nothing 
in our home offend Thee. We bid Thee come. 
Lord, not as a transient Guest, but to abide with 
us always. How much we need Thee, not only 
in the home, but wherever we are and in what- 
ever tasks we engage! Sometimes our tasks seem 
difficult and discouraging, and we need Thy pres- 
ence and help, that we may perform them faith- 
fully and well. We believe Thou dost never call 
us to a service that we cannot render, but with 
each demand Thy grace is sufficient, if we will but 
avail ourselves of it. Give us courage and a com- 
plete trust in Thee. For Jesus' sake. 4men. 



[65] 



SUNDAY 

GOD'S FAVOR 

Psalm 85 

LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: 
thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; thou 
hast covered all their sin. 

Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned 
thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. 

Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger 
toward us to cease. 

Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw 
out thine anger to all generations? 

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may 
rejoice in thee? 

Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy 
salvation. 

I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will 
speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let 
them not turn again to folly. 

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that 
glory may dwell in our land. 

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and 
peace have kissed each other. 

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness 
shall look down from heaven. 

Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our 
land shall yield her increase. 

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us 
in the way of his steps. 



[66] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



HOW great is Thy loving kindness, O Lord, 
how manifold are Thy mercies! Goodness 
and mercy have followed us all the days of our 
lives. Thou hast had us in Thy keeping during the 
past week, and no harm has befallen us. We praise 
and magnify Thy Holy Name for all Thy mercies 
toward us, and for the glorious hope of life ever- 
lasting, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Bless 
Thy people everywhere, and manifest Thyself 
graciously to all who worship Thee, and may this 
day be one of gladness and song and praise. Par- 
don all our transgressions, for the sake of Him who 
gave Himself for our redemption. May we be 
spiritually refreshed in our communion with Thee, 
that we may be better fitted for Thy service during 
the coming week. Remember, in Thy goodness, all 
those who are in sore need; supply them plenteously 
with Thy grace. Give the comfort of Thy presence 
to all sorrowing ones, and may those who are sick 
be ministered unto by the loving Saviour, who 
came to heal and to save. In His name we offer 
our petitions. Amen. 



[67] 



MONDAY 

JESUS PBAYS FOR HIS FOLLOWERS 

John 17: 15-26 

1PRAY not that thou shouldest take them out of the 
world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the 
world. 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I 
also sent them into the world. 

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also 
might be sanctified through the truth. 

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which 
shall believe on me through their word; 

That they all may be one; as thou. Father, art in me 
and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the 
world may believe that thou hast sent me. 

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given 
them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made 
perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou 
hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given 
me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my 
glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me 
before the foundation of the world. 

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: 
but I have known thee, and these have known that 
thou hast sent me. 

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will 
declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me 
may be in them, and I in them. 

[68] 



PRAYER 

OTHOU who hearest prayer, teach us how to 
pray. We praise Thee for this prayer of the 
Master for His followers. May the assurance that 
our Lord prays for us make us very strong in faith, 
and give us courage and strength in time of tempta- 
tion. Conscious of sin and of our unworthiness, we 
may approach Thee in humble confidence, knowing 
that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, intercedes in 
our behalf. May our hearts glow with love and 
gratitude as we contemplate our Lord praying that 
we may be with Him, that we may behold His 
glory. Holy Father, we thank Thee that fellow- 
ship with Jesus is never-ending. By Thy grace, 
we may have His companionship here, and here- 
after we may be where He is, and behold His glory. 
Help us to live as those should live for whom Christ 
died and for whom He prays. We ask for Thy 
blessing upon every endeavor of Thy followers to 
obey our Lord's command, '^Go ye into all the 
world and preach the gospel to every creature." 
We thank Thee for our family circle, for home, for 
our hope, and for all that brings gladness into our 
lives. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[691 



TUESDAY 

PETER'S CONFESSION 

Matt. 16: 13-21 

WHEN Jesus came nto the coast of Cesarea Philippi, 
he asked his disciples, saying. Whom do men 
say that I, the Son of man, am? 

And they said. Some say that thou art John the Bap- 
tist; some, EUas and others, Jeremias, or one of the 
prophets. 

He saith unto them. But whom say ye that I am? 

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the 
Christ, the Son of the Hving God. 

And Jesus answered and said unto h m. Blessed art 
thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not 
revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

And I say also unto thee. That thou art Peter, and upon 
this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell 
shall not prevail against it. 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of 
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall 
be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shat loose 
on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell 
no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his 
disciples, how that he must go imto Jerusalem, and 
suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and 
scribes, and be killed, and be raised aga n the third day. 



[70] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



WE praise Thee, our Father, for this revela- 
tion of Jesus Christ to Peter, and we are 
grateful for the fact that Thou hast made the 
Saviour known to us as the Christ, the Son of the 
Living God. We beheve that Jesus is asking men 
today the question He asked the disciples, ''Whom 
do men say that I, the Son of man, am?'^ We 
devoutly pray for those who treat this vital ques- 
tion with indifference. May we realize more fully 
how many ways there are by which we can make 
Christ known as the Son of God. Thou hast made 
it possible for us to testify for Him every day we 
live, not only by what we say, but by the quiet 
influence of our lives. Forbid that we should 
hesitate to confess our Lord before others, and 
may our manner of life each day testify to our 
discipleship. O Thou Son of God, dwell in us 
and manifest Thyself through us. Bestow Thy 
blessing upon all agencies for making known the 
love of Jesus Christ. May they have the guidance 
of Thy Holy Spirit. To Thy loving care we com- 
mend all those who are dear to us. Wilt Thou 
keep them, and may Thy grace abound in their 
hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
Amen. 



m 



WEDNESDAY 

JESUS WALKING ON THE SEA 

Matt. 14: 22-33 

AND straightway Jesus constrained his disciples 
to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the 
other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went 
up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening 
was come, he was there alone. 

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed 
with waves: for the wind was contrary. 

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto 
them, walking on the sea. 

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, 
they were troubled, saying. It is a spirit; and they cried 
out for fear. 

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying. Be 
of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, 
bid me come unto thee on the water. 

And he said. Come. And when Peter was come down 
out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; 
and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and 
caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, 
wherefore didst thou doubt .^^ 

And when they were come into the ship, the wind 
ceased. 

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped 
him, saying. Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

[72] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

MOST Merciful God, our Father, we thank 
Thee that we learn from Thy Word that 
Jesus so often went up into a mountain to be alone 
in communion with Thee. Teach us, we pray 
Thee, how needful it is for us to seek Thee in private. 
We have the promise that if we pray to the Father 
in secret, He will reward us openly. Help us to 
value family prayer more highly and to engage in 
it more earnestly and with greater faith. May 
we have a fuller sense of the value of the presence 
of Jesus. Alone on the sea of Galilee, the dis- 
ciples were in great fear because of the wind and 
waves, but when Jesus came the wind ceased and 
the sea became calm. In darkness and storm, in 
the midst of hindrances that seem insurmountable, 
may we look to Him from whom cometh our help. 
Alone, we are helpless, but with the Saviour's 
presence our difficulties may be overcome. Our 
Lord and Master, give us grace to look for Thy 
presence in every time of need. Be pleased to 
hear and answer our petitions, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 



[73] 



THURSDAY 

THE WORD 

John 1:1-14 

IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was 
with God, and the Word was God. 

The same was in the beginning with God. 

All things were made by him; and without him was 
not any thing made that was made. 

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 

And the light shine th in darkness; and the darkness 
comprehended it not. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was 
John. 

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the 
Light, that all men through him might believe. 

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness 
of that Light. 

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man 
that cometh into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world was made by 
him, and the world knew him not. 

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 

But as many as received him, to them gave he power 
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on 
his name: 

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the 
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, 
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten 
of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 



[74] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father, we praise Thee that Christ is 
the Word of God, and that He is the revela- 
tion to us of the love and character of God. How 
great the condescension, that He should be made 
flesh and dwell among men! As the beloved apostle 
beheld His glory, full of grace and truth, so may 
we behold Him and find in Him the true Light 
that lighteth every man that cometh into the 
world. We thank Thee for the humanity of Jesus, 
that He left the glory which He had with the Father, 
and that as a man He experienced human weariness 
and hunger, human joy and sorrow, and the tempta- 
tions that beset us. O that we might look to 
Him in our hours of need, and find in Him a very 
present help! May we never cease to praise Thee 
for the gift of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
We offer Thee thanks, our Father, for all the bless- 
ings bestowed upon us as a family, for loving com- 
panionships, and for all the provision Thou hast 
made for our comfort and welfare. We give our- 
selves anew to Thee this morning, in the name of 
our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[75] 



FRIDAY 

JESUS APPEARS TO PAUL 

Acts 22: 6-16 

AND it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and 
was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly 
there shone from heaven a great Hght round about me. 

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying 
unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

And I answered, Who art thou. Lord? And he said 
unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, 
and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him 
that spake to me. 

And I said. What shall I do. Lord? And the Lord 
said unto me. Arise, and go into Damascus; and there 
it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed 
for thee to do. 

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, 
being led by the hand of them that were with me, I 
came into Damascus. 

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, 
having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 

Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me. Brother 
Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked 
up upon him. 

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, 
that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just 
One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what 
thou hast seen and heard. 

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, 
and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 

[76] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



LORD God Almighty, Maker of heaven and 
earth, we thank Thee for Thy great con- 
descension in not only permitting us to come into 
Thy presence, but inviting us to come. We ap- 
proach Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, 
and humbly implore Thy forgiveness of our sins. 
While we may not behold our Lord in bodily form, 
as the disciples of old beheld Him, we may have 
the light of His presence and hear His voice as 
truly as Paul saw and heard on his journey to 
Damascus. We thank Thee that Jesus manifests 
Himself to us and speaks to us in our everyday 
lives. Like Paul, may we ask, "What shall I do, 
Lord.^'' and may we hold ourselves ready for service 
in whatever manner we are called to render it. 
Thou hast appointed us work to do, and, remem- 
bering that night cometh, when no man can work, 
may we be faithful in the performance of the tasks 
assigned us. We need not work blindly, for we 
may ask, "What shall I do, Lord.^" assured that 
Thou wilt answer our prayer. In Jesus' name. 
Amen. 



[77] 



SATURDAY 

FISHERS OF MEN 

Matt. 4: 12-22 

NOW when Jesus had heard that John was cast into 
prison, he departed into Galilee; 

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Caper- 
naum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of 
Zabulon and Nephthalim: 

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias 
the prophet, saying. 

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by 
the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; 
and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death 
light is sprung up. 

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, 
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two 
brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, 
casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 

And he saith unto them. Follow me, and I will make 
you fishers of men. 

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, 
James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship 
with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he 
called them. 

And they immediately left the ship and their father, 
and followed him. 



[78] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



LOVING Father, may we believe that as truly 
as Thou didst say to those Galilean fisher- 
men "Follow me/' so hast Thou bidden us to follow 
Thee. We may not be called, as were they, to 
forsake our occupations in order to render acceptable 
service, but it is our privilege and duty to do what 
Thou dost bid us do and go where Thou dost send us. 
The fishermen straightway left their nets, and we 
pray for grace to yield as prompt obedience. How 
graciously Thy promise to make them fishers of 
men was fulfilled, and what joy they must have 
felt in being able to gain so many followers of the 
Master! May we ask ourselves, Are we fishers of 
men? Forbid that we should stand idly by, while 
others are gathering men into Thy Kingdom. Thou 
hast made possible many methods by which we 
may attract and win others for Thy service. Our 
example at home and in our places of business 
may point others to Thee, and we may, by a timely 
word or by a direct personal appeal, be Thy fisher- 
men. We pray Thee, use us, Lord, in extending 
Thy Kingdom. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[79] 



SUNDAY 

THANKSGIVING 

Psalm 92 

IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and 
to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: 

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, 
and thy faithfulness every night. 

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the 
psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 

For thou. Lord, hast made me glad through thy work : 
I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 

O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts 
are very deep. 

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool under- 
stand this. 

When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all 
the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall 
be destroyed for ever: 

But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. 

For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies 
shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 

But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a uni- 
corn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 

Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, 
and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that 
rise up against me. 

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he 
shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall 
flourish in the courts of our God. . . . 

To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and 
there is no unrighteousness in him. 

[80] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, 
and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most 
High; to show forth Thy loving kindness in the 
morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. When 
we consider Thy goodness toward us, and the count- 
less blessings we have received at Thy hands, we 
may well offer grateful praise. Thou hast blessed 
us in our home life, and provided for all our needs. 
Thy gifts have been numberless and constant, and 
yet we are apt to forget the Source of the abundant 
blessings we enjoy. Forgive us our want of grat- 
itude, we pray Thee, and accept the thanksgiving 
we now offer Thee. We praise Thee for the coming 
of Jesus Christ; for His unspeakable love, manifested 
in the giving of Himself for us. May Thy presence 
be made known this day to all who worship Thee 
in spirit and in truth. May Thy name be exalted 
in prayer and song, and may Thy Holy Spirit di- 
rect the messages Thy servants bring to Thy people, 
and Thy name shall be praised, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



[81] 



MONDAY 

THE PRODIGAL SON 

Luke 15: 11-24 

AND he said, A certain man had two sons: 
And the younger of them said to his father, 
Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. 
And he divided unto them his Uving. 

And not many days after the younger son gathered 
all together, and took his journey into a far country, 
and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine 
in that land; and he began to be in want. . . . 

And when he came to himself, he said. How many 
hired servants of my father's have bread enough and 
to spare, and I perish with hunger! 

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto 
him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. 

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make 
me as one of thy hired servants. 

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he 
was yet a great way oflF, his father saw him, and had 
compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned 
against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy 
to be called thy son. 

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the 
best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, 
and shoes on his feet: 

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let 
us eat, and be merry: 

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was 
lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 

m 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

AGAIN, our Father, we have the privilege of 
communing with Thee in prayer. We ask 
for Thy blessing upon the portion of Scripture we 
have read together. Often during the day may we 
think of Thy fatherly love, as portrayed by Jesus 
in the parable of the prodigal son. Deliver us from 
any desire to go beyond the restraints of Thy love, 
and keep us from doing those things that would 
separate us from Thee. We thank Thee that when 
we have strayed, Thou hast brought us to a sense 
of what we were forfeiting and to a longing to 
return. Thy loving kindness and tender compas- 
sion have been shown toward us when we have 
retraced our steps and sought Thee. Thou hast 
seen us afar off, and welcomed us with a Father's 
forgiving love. We entreat Thee, sanctify our de- 
sires, our purposes, and our lives, that we may 
abide with Thee and find joy in Thy presence. 
May no allurements take us where we cannot feel 
that Thou art near. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[83] 



^ TUESDAY '■ 

THE GOOD SAMARITAN 

Luke 10: 27-37 

AND he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy 
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and 
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy 
neighbour as thyself. . . . 

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, 
And who is my neighbour? 

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down 
from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which 
stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and 
departed, leaving him half dead. 

And by chance there came down a certain priest that 
way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other 
side. 

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came 
and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where 
he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on 
him. 

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring 
in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought 
him to an inn, and took care of him. 

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out 
two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him. 
Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, 
when I come again, I will repay thee. 

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neigh 
bour unto him that fell among the thieves .^^ 

And he said. He that shewed mercy on him. Then 
said Jesus unto him. Go, and do thou likewise. 

[84] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



O LOVING Father, hear us, we pray Thee, as 
we come into Thy presence in the name of 
Jesus Christ, our Saviour. We thank Thee for 
Thy teaching concerning our duty toward others, 
and we pray that we may take to heart this par- 
able of the good Samaritan. We are sometimes 
slow to respond to the needs of others when it will 
interfere with our own ease and comfort. We 
have need to learn that if we are really followers 
of the Master, we should strive to imitate His 
example. He gave Himself for us, and He has 
said that in ministering to those who are His, we 
are doing it unto Him. We pray for all institutions 
established for the purpose of relieving suffering 
and to afford healing to Thy needy children. May 
those who engage in these works of philanthropy 
be given sympathy and support. It may be that 
today opportunity will be given us to bring comfort 
and help to some stricken one. Teach us the joy 
of serving Thee by serving others, and may we 
strive to do all we can to bring joy into the lives 
of others. Hear us, we pray Thee, our Father, in 
Jesus' name. Amen. 



[85] 



WEDNESDAY 

THE LOST SHEEP AND THE LOST COIN 

Luke 15: 1-10 

THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and 
sinners for to hear him. 

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This 
man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 

And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he 
lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine 
in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until 
he find it? 

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoul- 
ders, rejoicing. 

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his 
friends and neighbours, saying unto them. Rejoice with 
me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven 
over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety 
and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she 
lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the 
house, and seek diligently till she find it.f^ 

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends 
and her neighbours together, saying. Rejoice with me; 
for I have found the piece which I had lost. 

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence 
of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 



[86] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



HELP us to be grateful to Thee, O Lord, for 
the joy of finding. We know that to find 
the lost may require diligent search. The one 
who lost the sheep went out after it until he found 
it, while the one who lost the coin swept the house 
until the treasure was found. We never can suflS- 
ciently praise Thee that our Savioiu' sought and 
found us. May we realize how far the joy of one 
sinner found exceeds the joy over the recovery of 
any earthly treasure. May the parable make plain 
to us what a joyful thing it is to tell others of the 
great treasure we have found in the love of Jesus 
Christ. Thou hast graciously given us something 
to do in reclaiming those who are lost, making us 
workers together with Thee. We entreat Thee, 
our Father, give us grace to seek earnestly and 
constantly for those who are lost, that they may 
be restored to Thee and to Thy love. May we 
never be so busy with other matters that we shall 
neglect striving to make disciples for the Master. 
In His name. Amen. 



[87] 



THURSDAY 

JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD 

John 10: 1-11 

VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth 
not by the door into the sheepfold, but cKmbeth 
up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd 
of the sheep. 

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his 
voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and lead- 
eth them out. 

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth 
before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know 
his voice. 

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from 
him; for they know not the voice of strangers. 

This parable spake Jesus unto them; but they under- 
stood not what things they were which he spake unto 
them. 

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I 
say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: 
but the sheep did not hear them. 

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be 
saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, 
and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, 
and that they might have it more abundantly. 

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth 
his life for the sheep. . . . 

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am 
known of mine. 

[88] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father in Heaven, we thank Thee this 
morning for this revelation of Jesus as our 
Shepherd, and that we can say with the Psalmist, 
"The Lord is my Shepherd." We have the Saviour's 
assurance that, as the shepherd knows each sheep 
by name, so He knoweth each member of His 
flock. We pray for grace to follow Him who is 
our Shepherd, wherever He may lead. The jour- 
ney may sometimes seem long, and the way may 
be difficult, but we can always safely follow, and 
even though we walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death we will fear no evil, for Thou art 
with us. We beseech Thee, Lord, that we may 
ever hear the voice of Jesus calling us to follow 
Him. Keep us from straying in by and forbidden 
paths. The Great Shepherd of the sheep having 
laid down His life for the flock, we can never ques- 
tion His love or His tender care. We pray Thee, 
hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, Lord, when 
men everywhere shall confess Jesus Christ as Lord 
and Master. In His name. Amen. 



[89] 



FRIDAY 

TWO COMMANDMENTS 

Matt. 22: 34-46 

BUT when the Pharisees had heard that he had put 
the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered to- 
gether. 

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a 
question, tempting him, and saying. 

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 

Jesus said unto him. Thou shalt love the Lord thy 
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with 
all, thy mind. 

This is the first and great commandment. 

And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy 
neighbour as thyself. 

On these two commandments hang all the law and 
the prophets. 

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus 
asked them, 

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? 
They say unto him. The son of David. 

He saith unto them. How then doth David in spirit 
call him Lord, saying. 

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right 
hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? 

If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? 

And no man was able to answer him a word, neither 
durst any man from that day forth ask him any more 
questions. 



190] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for this 
message from Thy Word, for these two 
great commandments given by our Saviour. When 
we contemplate the love Thou hast manifested 
toward us, it should be a natural impulse for us to 
love Thee with heart and soul and mind. Help 
us to see that it is only when we so love Thee, that 
we shall be able to love our neighbor as ourselves. 
Thou art the Father of all, whether rich or poor, 
whether obedient or wayward, and all are Thy 
children. Bestow Thy grace upon us, O Lord, that 
our love for Thee may have a truer, deeper mean- 
ing, and that we may love others as ourselves. May 
our prayers and our lives be more unselfish. We 
cannot love Thee as we ought, nor can we love 
others as we should, unless we have the aid of Thy 
Holy Spirit. Our Father, we pray for the coming 
of the day when Thy will shall be done in the daily 
contacts of men; when they shall feel their de- 
pendence upon Thee, and upon each other. For 
the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[91] 



SATURDAY 

THE RICH YOUNG RULER 

Mark 10: 17-27 

AND when he was gone forth Into the way, there 
came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked 
him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit 
eternal life? 

And Jesus said unto him. Why eallest thou me good? 
there is none good but one, that is, God. 

Thou knowest the conmaandments. Do not commit 
adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false 
witness. Defraud not. Honour thy father and mother. 

And he answered and said unto him. Master, all these 
have I observed from my youth. 

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto 
him. One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever 
thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have 
treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and 
follow me. 

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: 
for he had great possessions. 

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his 
disciples, . . . 

How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter 
into the kingdom of God! 

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, 
than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 

And they were astonished out of measure, saying 
among themselves. Who then can be saved? 

And Jesus looking upon them saith. With men it is 
impossible, but not with God: fo? ^ith God all things 
are possible. 

[92] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Saviour, teach us how to apply this lesson 
to our own lives and experiences. May we 
have the earnestness of this young man who came 
running and kneeled at Thy feet. We thank Thee, 
O Lord, that we can come to Thee with our ques- 
tions, assured that Thou wilt answer them. We 
cannot of ourselves do anything to inherit eternal 
life. We cannot obtain it by sacrifice or suffering. 
Our Father, Thou hast taught us that it cannot 
be purchased, that eternal life is Thy great gift, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and that we may 
enjoy this great inheritance in this life and in the 
life that is to come. Keep us from placing our 
affections too much upon earthly things, and help 
us to regard ourselves as Thy stewards, and may 
all that we possess be consecrated to the service 
of our Lord and Master. We give ourselves to 
Thee, praying that Thou wilt rule our lives this 
day, and govern all our thoughts and actions. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[93] 



LONGING FOR THE SANCTUARY 

Psalm 84 

HOW amiable are thy tabernacles, Loed of hosts! 
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the 
courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out 
for the living God. 

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swal- 
low a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, 
even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will 
be still praising thee. 

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose 
heart are the ways of them. 

Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a 
well; the rain also fiUeth the pools. 

They go from strength to strength, every one of them 
in Zion appeareth before God. 

Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, God 
of Jacob. 

Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of 
thine anointed. 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. 
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, 
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will 
give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold 
from them that walk uprightly. 

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in 
thee. 



[94] 



o 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

GOD, our Maker and Preserver, we come 
into Thy presence with thanksgiving, we 
enter Thy courts with praise. We thank Thee 
for the Sabbath stillness, for the cessation from 
toil, for the day of rest. As the Psalmist voiced 
his longing for Thy courts, so may we express 
our longing for Thy house, and for the worship of 
the Living God. We praise Thee for the Church 
Thou hast established on earth. May Thy people 
dedicate themselves anew to Thee today. May 
they find it blessed to dwell in Thy house, and may 
they be able to say, *T had rather be a doorkeeper 
in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents 
of wickedness." We pray for a larger and better 
observance of the Sabbath, and that Thou wilt 
stay the tendency to desecrate it. Bless every 
assemblage of Thy people, and wherever the Gospel 
is preached may Thy Holy Spirit be present. Wilt 
Thou dwell in our thoughts this day and in our 
hearts, and may we receive a fresh impulse for 
right living and for active, consecrated service. 
For the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[95] 



MONDAY 

WARNING AND INVITATION 

Matt. 11: 20-30 

THEN began he to upbraid the cities wherein most 
of his mighty works were done, because they 
repented not: 

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! 
for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had 
been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented 
long ago in sackcloth and ashes. . . . 

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, 
shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, 
which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, 
it would have remained until this day. 

But I say unto you. That it shall be more tolerable 
for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than 
for thee. 

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, 
O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast 
revealed them unto babes. 

Even so. Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and 
no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither know- 
eth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whom- 
soever the Son will reveal him. 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am 
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall iBnd rest unto your 
souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

[96] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father in Heaven, we cannot wonder 
that our Lord was grieved in beholding the 
wickedness of some of the ancient cities, and that 
He upbraided them for their want of regard for 
Him and for His teaching. We pray for the cities 
of our land, that those who govern may rule right- 
eously, and that citizens may feel their respon- 
sibility and participate in the efforts put forth to 
overcome wickedness. We thank Thee that Jesus 
bids all who labor and are heavy laden to come 
to Him and find rest. We are sure that our cares 
and burdens are known to our Lord, and that He 
is ever seeking to lighten them, and that it is our 
blessed privilege to find rest and peace in Him. 
We are bidden to take His yoke upon us. Help 
us to see that in our taking His yoke upon us He 
shares it with us, and our burden becomes light. 
Our Father, help us to acquit ourselves today as 
servants of Jesus Christ, and may we meet each 
responsibility with an honest purpose to do well 
all that Thou dost give us to do. In Jesus' name. 
Amen. 



[97] 



TUESDAY 

JESUS AT THE POOL 

John 5: 1-9 

AFTER this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus 
went up to Jerusalem. 

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, 
which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having 
five porches. 

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of 
blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the 
water. 

For an angel went down at a certain season into the 
pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after 
the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole 
of whatsoever disease he had. 

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity 
thirty and eight years. 

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been 
now a long time in that case, he saith unto him. Wilt 
thou be made whole? 

The impotent man answered him. Sir, I have no man, 
when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: 
but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 

Jesus saith unto him. Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 

And immediately the man was made whole, and took 
up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the 
sabbath. 



[98] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Lord and Master, may what we have 
just read teach us that our bodily ailments 
and infirmities are known to Thee, and evoke Thy 
loving sympathy for us. We think of the man 
who was a helpless cripple for thirty-eight years, 
and of the joy he experienced in being restored by 
the Saviour. We thank Thee that healing and 
strength come in the very doing of what Thou dost 
bid us do. We are weak and helpless, ^nd are 
sometimes inclined to be despairing, but a look and 
a word from Jesus may give us faith and courage 
to attempt what has hitherto seemed impossible. 
We pray for grace to look less on our own weak- 
ness and to look more to Thee, who art our strength 
and our salvation. Give us strength of will, we en- 
treat Thee, that we may undertake diflScult tasks in 
Thy name, knowing that Thy grace is sufficient 
for us. Our Father, keep us today from fretfulness 
and worry, and help us to be gentle and charitable. 
Be pleased to answer our prayer, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[991 



WEDNESDAY 

PARABLE OF THE SOWER 

Matt. 13: 1-9 

THE same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat 
by the sea side. 

And great multitudes were gathered together unto 
him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole 
multitude stood on the shore. 

And he spake many things unto them in parables, say- 
ing, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, 
and the fowls came and devoured them up : 

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much 
earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had 
no deepness of earth : 

And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and 
because they had no root, they withered away. 

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung 
up, and choked them: 

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth 
fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 



1100] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for sun- 
shine and rain, for seed time and harvest. 
We are commanded, ''In the morning sow thy seed, 
and at evening withhold not thy hand." We also 
have the gracious promise, ''He that goeth forth, 
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, 
bringing his sheaves with him." Help us. Lord, to 
receive Thy Word as precious seed, and may it 
yield abundantly in our lives. We have Thy prom- 
ise, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reap," and we know that this law in the natural 
world applies with equal force in the spiritual realm. 
May we remember that the harvest is in propor- 
tion to the sowing, and may we not be sparing in 
the sowing of good seed, knowing that with Thy 
blessing the yield shall be fruitful, to the glory of 
our Lord and Master. We pray for those who hold 
public oflSce. Guard and defend them, and inspire 
them to render conscientious service. As Thy dis- 
ciples, may we uphold and encourage them in every 
right endeavor. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[1011 



THURSDAY 

JESUS HEALS THE NOBLEMAN'S SON 

John 4: 43-53 

NOW after two days he departed thence, and went 
into Galilee. 

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no 
honour in his own country. 

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilseans 
received him, having seen all the things that he did at 
Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. 

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he 
made the water wine. And there was a certain noble- 
man, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea 
into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that 
he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at 
the point of death. 

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and 
wonders, ye will not believe. 

The nobleman saith imto him. Sir, come down ere 
my child die. 

Jesus saith unto him. Go thy way; thy son liveth. 
And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken 
unto him, and he went his way. 

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, 
and told him, saying. Thy son liveth. 

Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to 
amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the 
seventh hour the fever left him. 

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in 
the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and 
himself believed, and his whole house. 

[102] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

WE thank Thee, our Father, for this word of 
hope and encouragement for all who come 
to Thee in behalf of those dear to them. We 
praise Thee that today, as really as when He walked 
among men, our Lord is ever ready to hear the 
troubled cry of parents for their children, whether 
it be for spiritual or physical healing. Truly Thou 
art no respecter of persons. The poor widow and 
the nobleman may approach Thee with like con- 
fidence in the divine love, and with the assurance 
that Thine ear will be open to the cry for help. 
Strengthen our faith, we beseech Thee, that when 
we pray for those we love, we may believe we shall 
have Thy loving response to our petition. We im- 
plore Thee, our Father, remember all who are 
lonely and sad. Give hope and courage to those 
who are suffering, and comfort and heal those whose 
hearts are broken with sorrow. Fill our souls with 
Thyself, and take from us any want of faith. Thou 
art able to do for us far more than we can ask or 
think. Hear us, we pray Thee, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[1031 



FRIDAY 

THE KINGDOM 

Matt. 13: 31-51 

ANOTHER parable put he forth unto them, saying. 
The kingdom of heaven is Hke to a grain of mustard 
seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is 
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a 
tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the 
branches thereof. 

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of 
heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid 
in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. . . . 

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure 
hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he 
hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that 
he hath, and buyeth that field. 

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant 
man, seeking goodly pearls: 

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, 
went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that 
was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 

Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and 
sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast 
the bad away. 

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall 
come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. 

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there 
shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these 
things? They say imto him. Yea, Lord. 

[104] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



THOU who art the King of kings, we thank 
Thee for these parables of Jesus concerning 
Thy Kingdom. We are bidden to seek first the 
Kingdom of God, and we pray daily for the coming 
of Thy Kingdom. Thou hast heard the prayers of 
Thy people during the past centuries, and they have 
been wondrously answered in the spread of the 
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Saviour has said, 
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw 
all men unto me." We praise Thee for the com- 
pelling power of the cross of Christ. Give us a 
larger faith as we pray for the coming of Thy King- 
dom. May we not only believe that Thy promise 
will be fulfilled, and that all men will be drawn 
to Thee through the atonement of Jesus, but may 
we do all we can to bring all nations and peoples 
into Thy Kingdom. We pray that Thy Kingdom 
may have a larger place in our minds and hearts. 
We ask Thee to rule and govern our lives. For 
the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[105] 



SATURDAY 

LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD 

Matt. 20: 1-16 

FOR the kingdom of heaven is Hke unto a man that 
is an householder, which went out early in the 
morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny 
a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others 
standing idle in the marketplace, 

And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, 
and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went 
their way. 

Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, 
and did likewise. 

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found 
others standing idle, and saith unto them. Why stand 
ye here all the day idle? 

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. 
He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and 
whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard 
saith unto his steward. Call the labourers, and give them 
their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh 
hour, they received every man a penny. 

But when the first came, they supposed that they 
should have received more; and they likewise received 
every man a penny. . . . 

So the last shall be the first, and the first last: for 
many be called, but few chosen. 

[106] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR God and Father, we bow before Thee with 
thankful hearts, and ask for Thy help today 
in all our undertakings. We seek Thy presence 
and Thy grace. Without Thee our duties would 
become drudgery, but with Thee we shall find joy 
in all that we attempt to do. May we hear the 
Lord speaking to us in the parable we have read. 
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are laborers in the 
Master's vineyard, and we rejoice in the great 
privilege of being workers together with Thee. 
Forbid that we should count the hours, or dwell 
too much on the reward, but rather may the as- 
surance of Thy love spur us to diligent and faith- 
ful service. Thou art our Father, and as Thy chil- 
dren we would always be about our Father's business. 
May we not stand idle while opportunities for work 
in Thy name are so plentiful. Give us grace to 
aspire to that high plane of service that will make 
attractive the religion of Jesus Christ, and encour- 
age others to follow Him. We pray for Thy guidance 
in all industrial relations, that men may be true 
to Thee and to one another. In Jesus's name. 
Amen. 



[107] 



SUNDAY 

LOVE FOR GOD'S HOUSE 

Psalm 26 

JUDGE me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine in- 
tegrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore 
I shall not slide. 

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins 
and my heart. 

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I 
have walked in thy truth. 

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go 
in with dissemblers. 

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will 
not sit with the wicked. 

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I com- 
pass thine altar, O Lord: 

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and 
tell of all thy wondrous works. 

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and 
the place where thine honour dwelleth. 

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with 
bloody men: 

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is 
full of bribes. 

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem 
me, and be merciful unto me. 

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congrega- 
tions will I bless the Lord. 



[108] 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

O LOVING Father, as we enter upon another 
Sabbath we approach Thee with gratitude 
and thanksgiving. We seek Thy presence and 
help, that our souls may be refreshed as we wor- 
ship and praise Thee. May we be able to say 
with the Psalmist, 'Xord, I have loved the habita- 
tion of thy house, and the place where thine honor 
dwelleth." Graciously bestow Thy blessing upon 
all the churches of our land. Inspire Thy servants 
who preach Thy Word, and may Thy Holy Spirit 
direct each message. May Thy followers conse- 
crate themselves anew to Thee this day, and to 
Thy service. Enlarge their faith, and guide all 
their efforts to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and to 
extend His Kingdom. We ask for Thy blessing 
upon the members of our family. As parents and 
children share in Thy rich blessings, may they also 
share in humble and devoted service. Hear us, 
we beseech Thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour. Amen. 



[109] 



MONDAY 

BORN BLIND 

John 9: 1-11 

AND as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was 
bUnd from his birth. 

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who 
did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born bUnd? 

Jesus answered. Neither hath this man sinned, nor 
his parents: but that the works of God should be made 
manifest in him. 

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it 
is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the 
world. 

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, 
and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes 
of the blind man with the clay. 

And said unto him. Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, 
(which is by interpretation. Sent.) He went his way 
therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 

The neighbours therefore, and they which before had 
seen him that he was blind, said. Is not this he that 
sat and begged? 

Some said, This is he: others said. He is like him: but 
he said, I am he. 

Therefore said they unto him. How were thine eyes 
opened? 

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus 
made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me. 
Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and 
washed, and I received sight. 

[110] 



w 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

E thank Thee, our Father, that, as Jesus 
passed by, the man born bHnd did not 
escape His notice or His loving sympathy. As we 
think of our Lord's interest in individuals and their 
afflictions, may we be led to consider those who 
so sadly need to be ministered unto. We ask for 
Thy blessing upon all agencies for the alleviation 
of the blind. Wilt Thou direct the efforts that 
are put forth to bring comfort and joy into the 
lives of those who are sightless. Grant unto us a 
fuller realization of what a blessing the gift of sight 
is: to be able to behold the beauties and wonders 
of the heavens and the earth which Thou hast 
created; to be able to look into the faces of loved 
ones and friends. We have consecrated to Thee 
our hearts and our hands; help us also to consecrate 
our eyes, that they may behold the things Thou 
wouldst have us see, and may be kept from looking 
at things to which they should be closed. We 
entreat Thee, our Lord and Master, for power to 
do our best in Thy service each day, and may no 
day pass that shall not bear witness to our devo- 
tion to Thee. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[Ill] 



TUESDAY 

THE CHILD SAMUEL 

I Sam. 3: 1-10 

AND the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord 
before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious 
in those days; there was no open vision. 

And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid 
down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that 
he could not see; 

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of 
the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was 
laid down to sleep; 

That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered. Here 
am I. 

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou 
calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. 
And he went and lay down. 

And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel 
arose and went to Eli, and said. Here am I; for thou didst 
call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie 
down again. . . . 

And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. 
And he arose and went to Eli, and said. Here am I; for 
thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord 
had called the child. 

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it 
shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say. Speak, Lord; 
for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down 
in his place. 

And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other 
times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; 
for thy servant heareth. 

[112] 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

GRACIOUS and Most Merciful Father, we 
come to Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, 
our Saviour, through whom we have hope of ever- 
lasting life. We thank Thee that Thou dost call 
children to Thy service, and that Jesus said, "Suffer 
the little children to come unto me and forbid 
them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 
If the presence of children gladdens our hearts, 
how much more do they bring joy to the heart 
of our Heavenly Father. As Samuel responded to 
Thy call, and said, "Here am I," so may the chil- 
dren of our homes and households hear Jesus say- 
ing, ''Come unto me," and make prompt response, 
saying, "Here am I, O Loving Saviour, take me 
into Thy service." We thank Thee for the faith- 
fulness of those who sought and found Thee in 
childhood. God bless and save the children of our 
land. Save them from harmful influences in the 
home, in the school, and upon the street, and as 
they increase in stature may they grow in favor 
with God and man. We ask this in the name of 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[113] 



WEDNESDAY 

GOD'S MEASURE AND MAN'S 

Matt. 5:38-48 

YE have heard that it hath been said, An eye for 
an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 

But I say unto you. That ye resist not evil: but who- 
soever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him 
the other also. 

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away 
thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go 
with him twain. 

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that 
would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love 
thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 

But I say unto you. Love your enemies, bless them 
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and 
pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute 
you; 

That ye may be the children of your Father which is 
in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and 
on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the 
unjust. 

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have 
ye? do not even the publicans the same? 

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more 
than others? do not even the publicans so? 

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which 
is in heaven is perfect. 



[114] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, we offer Thee our thanksgiving 
and praise for Thy Holy Word. We are 
grateful for all it has meant to us in the experience 
of each day. Thy Word has been to us a source 
of strength and courage. We have just read the 
command of Jesus, "Whosoever shall compel thee 
to go a mile, go with him twain." May we com- 
prehend how different God's measure is from man's. 
We are sometimes called upon to render favors or 
service to others. Too often our response is half- 
hearted and reluctant, and we rarely go beyond 
complying with what is required of us. Our meas- 
ure of kindness and helpfulness is limited. Thy 
measure is boundless, and each day we receive 
at Thy hands blessings far beyond our asking. 
Help us to treasure in our hearts and practice in 
our lives the lessons Thy Word teaches, and may 
we pray for and expect large things, for it is Thy 
good pleasure to give, not according to our measure, 
but according to Thy boundless love and goodness. 
Hear us, our Father, in Jesus' name. Amen. 



[115] 



THURSDAY 

A LIVING SACRIFICE 

Rom. 12: 1-9 

1 BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of 
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, 
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable 
service. 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans- 
formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may 
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect 
will of God. 

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every 
man that is among you, not to think of himself more 
highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, 
according as God hath dealt to every man the measure 
of faith. 

For as we have many members in one body, and all 
members have not the same office: 

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every 
one members one of another. 

Having then gifts differing according to the grace 
that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy 
according to the proportion of faith; 

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that 
teacheth, on teaching; 

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, 
let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with dili- 
gence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which 
is evil; cleave to that which is good. 



[116J 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Heavenly Father, Thy loving care has 
been over us during another night, and we 
enter upon a new day. May Thy blessing follow 
the reading of Thy Word. Teach us by Thy 
mercies that we should present our bodies a living 
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our 
reasonable service. When we dwell upon Thy 
mercies, and we cannot number them, we may 
well exclaim, *'What shall we render unto the Lord 
for all His mercies toward us.^'' Help us to see 
that our bodies belong to Thee. They are Thy 
temples, and we would dedicate them to Thy 
service. May our hearts be warm with love to 
Thee, our tongues be employed in Thy praise, our 
hands be extended in loving helpfulness, and our feet 
be swift on errands of mercy. We beseech Thee, 
control our thoughts, our words, and our actions, 
that all may be used for Thy glory. May we be 
of good courage if we meet with disappointment 
or misfortune, and may we so put on the Lord 
Jesus Christ that we shall be strong, and able to 
resist temptation. In the name of our Saviour. 
Amen. 



[117] 



FRIDAY 

JESUS CRUCIFIED 

Luke 23: 35-46 

AND the people stood beholding. And the rulers 
also with them derided him, saying. He saved 
others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen 
of God. 

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, 
and offering him vinegar. 

And saying. If thou be the king of the Jews, save 
thyself. 

And a superscription also was written over him in 
letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE 
KING OF THE JEWS. 

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed 
on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost 
not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same con- 
demnation? 

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward 
of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when 
thou comest into thy kingdom. 

And Jesus said unto him. Verily I say imto thee. To 
day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a dark- 
ness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple 
was rent in the midst. 

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said. 
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having 
said thus, he gave up the ghost. 

[118] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



ETERNAL Father, in beholding Jesus on the cross 
may we more fully comprehend what He 
suffered in our behalf. '^We may not know, we 
cannot tell what pains He had to bear, but we 
believe it was for us. He hung and suffered there." 
When we think of His great sacrifice for us, may 
we regard no sacrifice too great to make for Him. 
We may well glory in the cross of Christ, for it 
was there that He made the great atonement for 
sin, and gained for us the victory over it. We 
never can repay the debt of love we owe Him, but 
we can try to love Him better. We pray that our 
hearts may always be responsive to His wondrous 
love, and may our love for Him be made mani- 
fest each day by our devotion to His service. O 
Lord, help us to see that we may render acceptable 
service by performing faithfully the duties that 
are presented each day, whether they be great or 
small. We may make secular duties sacred by 
doing them well, and in the name and for the sake 
of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[119] 



SATURDAY 

THE HIDDEN CANDLE 

Mark 4: 21-29 

AND he said unto them. Is a candle brought to be 
put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to 
be set on a candlestick? 

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; 
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should 
come abroad. 

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 

And he said unto them. Take heed what ye hear. 
With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to 
you; and unto you that hear shall more be given. 

For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that 
hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. 

And he said. So is the kingdom of God, as if a man 
should cast seed into the ground; 

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the 
seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first 
the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he 
putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 



[120] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, who art in Heaven, may we 
have a fuller sense of Thy goodness toward 
us. Goodness and mercy have followed us all the 
days of our lives, and we will never cease praising 
Thee. Our Lord has said, "Ye are the light of the 
world.'' Help us to let our light so shine before 
men, that they may see our good works, and glorify 
our Father who is in heaven. Forbid that we 
should be as a candle put under a bushel, giving 
no outward light, but wasting itself unseen. It 
is our privilege to reflect that true Light that came 
into the world to shine in the hearts and lives of 
men. May the flame of the love of Jesus Christ 
never grow dim within us, but may it burn more 
brightly each day we live. We profess to be Thy 
followers, and may we seek opportunities for service, 
endeavoring to imitate our Saviour who went 
about doing good. Keep us this day from need- 
less care and anxiety and shelter us from all evil. 
In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[121] 



SUNDAY 

CLEANSING THE TEMPLE 

John 2: 13-22 

AND the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus 
went up to Jerusalem, 

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and 
sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he 
drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the 
oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and over- 
threw the tables; 

And said unto them that sold doves. Take these things 
hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. 

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The 
zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign 
shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this 
temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple 
in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 

But he spake of the temple of his body. 

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his dis- 
ciples remembered that he had said this unto them; 
and they believed the Scripture, and the word which 
Jesus had said. 



[122] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Heavenly Father, teach us, we pray Thee, 
not only to reverence Thy day but also to 
reverence Thy house. Holiness becometh Thy 
house, O Lord, forever. Forbid that we should 
go to church only because it is our custom to meet 
with Thy people, but may we go to worship Thee 
in prayer and in hymns of praise, and with a desire 
to commune with Thee. By the righteous anger 
of Jesus, may we see how displeasing it is to Thee 
for us to profane Thy temple by allowing things 
to enter that should find no place in Thy house. 
Keep us from carelessness of thought and from 
indiflFerence, and may we be able to say with the 
Psalmist, ''But as for me, I will come into thy 
house in the multitude of thy mercy; and in thy 
fear will I worship toward thy holy temple." We 
pray for those who long for Thy courts, but are 
denied the privilege of meeting with Thy people 
because of illness. May they realize that the 
heart is Thy temple, and that its courts and cham- 
bers may be filled with Thy presence. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



[123] 



MONDAY 

JESUS TEMPTED 

Matt. 4: 1-11 

THEN was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilder- 
ness to be tempted of the devil. 

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, 
he was afterward an hungred. 

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou 
be the Son of God, command that these stones be made 
bread. 

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall 
not live by bread alone, but by every word that pro- 
ceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and 
setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple. 

And saith unto him. If thou be the Son of God, cast 
thyself down: for it is written. He shall give his angels 
charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall 
bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against 
a stone. 

Jesus said unto him. It is written again. Thou shalt 
not tempt the Lord thy God. 

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding 
high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of 
the world, and the glory of them; 

And saith unto him. All these things will I give thee, 
if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 

Then saith Jesus unto him. Get thee hence, Satan: 
for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 
and him only shalt thou serve. 

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came 
and ministered unto him. 

[124] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

WE thank Thee, our Father, that Jesus was 
tempted in all points like as we are, yet 
without sin, and that He is able to succor those 
who are tempted. We may not escape temptation, 
but we can gain the victory over it. Our Lord 
met and vanquished the evil one by the sword of 
the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Thou hast 
provided us with the same weapon, and we have 
need to pray that we may always have it at hand, 
and that we may not fail to use it when assailed 
by the enemy of our souls. We pray daily, ''Lead 
us not into temptation," but too often we make 
but faint resistance when tempted. Grant us Thy 
grace, that we may avoid the things that lead in 
the way of temptation. We thank Thee for the 
promise that we shall not be tempted above that 
we are able to bear. With a firm and constant 
trust in Thy Word, help us ever to be on our guard, 
that we may be victorious, through Him who is 
the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 



[125] 



TUESDAY 

ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION 

Gen. 18: 28-32 

AND Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also 
destroy the righteous with the wicked? 

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: 
wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the 
fifty righteous that are therein? 

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to 
slay the righteous with the wicked; and that the right- 
eous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: 
Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 

And the Lord said. If I find in Sodom fifty righteous 
within the city, then I will spare all the place. . . . 

And Abraham answered and said. Behold now, I have 
taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but 
dust and ashes: 

Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty right- 
eous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And 
he said. If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 

And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Perad- 
venture there shall be forty found there. And he said, 
I will not do it for forty's sake. 

And he said unto him. Oh let not the Lord be angry, 
and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found 
there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty. . . . 

And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak 
unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found 
there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake. 

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will 
speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be founcJ 
there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. 

[126] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



THOU who art from everlasting to everlasting, 
we entreat Thee, open our eyes that we may 
see the wonders of Thy Word. We thank Thee 
for this intercession of Thy servant Abraham. 
While we regard prayer as a great privilege, we 
sometimes engage in it with a want of earnestness 
and without persistence. May we know the mean- 
ing of prevailing prayer, and may the example 
of Thy servant of old encourage us to persist in 
behalf of others. Help us that we may have a 
larger faith, for we know that with faith all things 
are possible. We look to Thee for Thy blessing 
upon our home and upon all those who are within 
it. May it not only be our dwelling place, but 
a place where Thou dwellest, and where Thou 
dost rule. Keep us from unkind speech, and may 
a spirit of kindness and unselfishness govern our 
conduct today in all our relations with others. 
Guide us in all things, that we may glorify Thee. 
Hear our prayer, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour. Amen. 



[127] 



WEDNESDAY 

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN 

Acts 8: 26-38 

AND the angel of the Lord spake unto PhiHp, say- 
ing, Arise, and go toward the south, unto the way 
that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which 
is desert. 

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, 
a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the 
Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and 
had come to Jerusalem for to worship. 

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias 
the prophet. 

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join 
thyself to this chariot. 

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the 
prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou 
readest? 

And he said. How can I, except some man should 
guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come 
up and sit with him. . . . 

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same 
Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 

And as they went on their way, they came unto a cer- 
tain water: and the eunuch said. See, here is water; what 
doth hinder me to be baptized? 

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, 
thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe 
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and 
they went down both into the water, both Philip and 
the eunuch; and he baptized him. 

[128] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, help us to gather something from 
this lesson that will enable us to render 
Thee more faithful and constant service. Like 
Philip, we may be sent on errands for Thee. We 
need Thy grace, that we may be as prompt in 
our obedience as he was, and that we may not 
neglect opportunities fraught with great possi- 
bilities, though we may not see them in advance. 
We ask that Thy Word may be treasured in our 
minds, so that we may be able to use it to help 
others to find Jesus. We have need to ask our- 
selves often when we read Thy Word, "Under- 
standest thou what thou readest?" Forgive us 
that we sometimes read it carelessly, and help us 
always to regard it as the message of a loving Father 
to His children. Incline our hearts unto Thy 
testimonies, and may we be able to say, "How 
sweet are thy words unto my taste, yea, sweeter 
than honey to my mouth." Our Lord and Master, 
deliver us this day from worry and impatience, 
and help us to be gentle and charitable in our treat- 
ment of others. These petitions we offer in the 
name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[129] 



THURSDAY 

THE UNKNOWN GOD 

Acts 17: 16-29 

NOW while Paul waited for them at Athens, his 
spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city 
wholly given to idolatry. . . . 

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, 
Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are 
too superstitious. 

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found 
an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN 
GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him de- 
clare I unto you. 

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing 
that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in 
temples made with hands; 

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though 
he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and 
breath, and all things; 

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to 
dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined 
the times before appointed, and the bounds of their 
habitation; 

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might 
feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from 
every one of us: 

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; 
as certain also of your own poets have said. For we are 
also his oflFspring. 

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we 
ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, 
or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 

[130] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

OLORD God Almighty, Maker of Heaven 
and earth, we thank Thee that we do not 
worship an unknown God. Thou hast revealed 
Thyself to us in Thy Word as the God that made 
the world and all things therein. The heavens 
declare Thy glory, and the firmament showeth 
Thy handiwork. Thou art our Creator, and we 
are the offspring of God. We pray this morning 
for those who ignorantly worship unknown gods — 
idols of gold or silver or stone. We praise Thee 
for the light that has dawned upon heathen na- 
tions, and we pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
may be proclaimed in every tongue and in every 
land, that in the name of Jesus every knee may 
bow. We remember before Thee the missionaries 
of the cross who are seeking to make the Saviour 
known in distant parts of our own land and in 
foreign lands. Inspire them by Thy Holy Spirit, 
and guide them in all their labors. We invoke Thy 
blessing upon all Christian institutions. May those 
who direct them find in Thee the required wisdom 
and grace for their important work. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



(1311 



FRIDAY 

PAUL'S LAST WORDS 

II Tim. 4: 1-11 

I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord 
Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the 
dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; 
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsufifering and doctrine. 

For the time will come when they will not endure 
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap 
to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, 
and shall be turned unto fables. 

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the 
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my 
departure is at hand. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 
I have kept the faith: 

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of right- 
eousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall 
give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all 
them also that love his appearing. 

Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present 
world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to 
Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him 
with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 



[132] 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

WE praise Thee, O God, for this glimpse of 
the hfe and character of Thy servant Paul. 
May we see as never before what a precious gift 
life is, how great its privileges, and how wonderful 
its possibilities for service. Help us to take the 
Lord Jesus Christ as our Leader. Then we shall 
be able to fight the fight of faith, and as true soldiers 
of Thine we shall be able to endure hardships, over- 
come obstacles, and win victories. We need cour- 
age and patience, and we also need to be equipped 
for conflict. May we put on the whole armor of 
God, taking the shield of faith, the helmet of salva- 
tion, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word 
of God. Forgive us that we have so often tried 
to overcome the adversary in our own strength 
and with our own weapons. In Thee, O Lord, 
do we put our trust; let us never be put to con- 
fusion. Be Thou our strong habitation, where 
we may continually resort. We would so loyally 
serve Thee, that at last we may be able to say with 
Paul, *T have fought a good fight, I have finished 
my course, I have kept the faith.'' In Jesus' 
name. Amen. 



[133] 



SATURDAY 

STEWARDS OF GOD'S GRACE 

I Cor. 4:1-7 

LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of 
Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be 
found faithful. 

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be 
judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not 
mine own self. 

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby 
justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord 
come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of 
darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the 
hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure trans- 
ferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye 
might learn in us not to think of men above that which 
is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against 
another. 

For who maketh thee to diflFer from another.^ and what 
hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst 
receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not re- 
ceived it? 



[134] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

WE beseech Thee, our Father, teach us how 
to pray, even as Jesus taught His disciples. 
Give us a clearer understanding of the word we 
have just read. We sometimes regard our oppor- 
tunities as very limited, and we long for larger 
fields of service. Thou dost call only for the right 
use of what Thou hast committed to our keeping. 
We are Thy stewards, and all that we have and 
all that we are belongs to Thee. We know that 
it matters very much what use we make of the 
talents intrusted to us, whether they be few or 
many. We would consecrate ourselves and all 
that we possess to Thee and to Thy service. We 
praise Thee that it is possible for us to be workers 
together with Thee. Wilt Thou establish us in 
faithfulness and diligence, that when our work is 
finished we may hear our Lord say, "Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord." May these blessings be 
bestowed upon us, in the name of Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



[135] 



SUNDAY 

THE LOVE OF GOD 

lJohn4:7-21 

BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of 
God; and every one that loveth is born of God, 
and knoweth God. 

He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. 

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, be- 
cause that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, 
that we might live through him. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he 
loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love 
one another. 

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one 
another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected 
in us. 

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, 
because he hath given us of his Spirit. 
• And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent 
the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, 
God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 

And we have known and believed the love that God 
hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love 
dwelleth in God, and God in him. . . . 

We love him, because he first loved us. 

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he 
is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath 
seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 

And this commandment have we from him. That he 
who loveth God love his brother also. 

[136] 



o 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

UR Lord and Master, with heart and voice 
we praise Thee this Sabbath morning. We 
offer Thee our thanksgiving for the message of 
love, spoken through Thy beloved disciple. We 
know there is no greater thing in the world than 
love. Thou didst first love us, and because of Thy 
great love Thou didst send Thine only begotten 
Son to be our Saviour. May our love for Thee 
be deeper, more sincere and constant, and may it 
find expression in the doing of Thy will each day. 
We ask that Thy love may govern in the lives of 
all those who are dear to us, and in our own lives. 
We pray that Thy Holy Spirit may inspire Thy 
servants who preach the Gospel of the love of 
Jesus Christ today, and may the messages be so 
filled with divine love that many shall be won to 
Thy service. May we have a closer walk with 
Thee during the hours of this day, that the Sabbath 
may be one of rich spiritual communion with our 
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[1371 



MONDAY 

THE DUTY OF WATCHFULNESS 

Luke 12: 35-44 

LET your loins be girded about, and your lights 
burning; 

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their 
lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when 
he Cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him im- 
mediately. 

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he 
cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that 
he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to 
meat, and v/ill come forth and serve them. 

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in 
the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those 
servants. 

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had 
known what hour the thief would come, he would have 
watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken 
through. 

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh 
at an hour when ye think not. 

Then Peter said unto him. Lord, speakest thou this 
parable unto us, or even to all.? 

And the Lord said. Who then is that faithful and 
wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his 
household, to give them their portion of meat in due 
season? 

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he com- 
eth shall find so doing. 

Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler 
over all that he hath. 

[138] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

OGOD, Lord of Heaven and earth, we crave 
Thy forgiveness of all our transgressions. 
We are Thy children, and yet we are sometimes 
wayward and thoughtless. In Thine infinite love 
Thou hast borne with us in mercy and kindness, 
and we rejoice in a love so great and so unfailing. 
We pray Thee, fix in our minds the words of Jesus 
we have just read, and help us to see the importance 
of watchfulness. We need to remember that we 
are Thy servants, and that we are charged with 
certain responsibilities. We have work to do for 
the Master. Forbid that He should ever come 
and find us idle and forgetful of the interests com- 
mitted to our keeping. May Thy grace enable 
us to be watchful concerning our conduct, that we 
may avoid hasty temper or speech. We need to 
watch lest the enemy of our souls, in an unguarded 
moment, shall entice us from the right path. We 
need to watch lest opportunities for doing good 
and of honoring our Master be neglected. We 
would be so watchful and faithful that we shall 
not fear the coming of our Lord. Wilt Thou bless 
and guide our rulers. Protect them by Thy might, 
and may they seek wisdom and guidance from 
Thee. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[139] 



TUESDAY 

THE GREAT PROPHECY 

Isa. 53: 1-9 

WHO hath believed our report? and to whom is the 
arm of the Lord revealed? 

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 
and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor 
comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty 
that we should desire him. 

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, 
and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our 
faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : 
yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and 
afflicted. 

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace 
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned 
every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on 
him the iniquity of us all. 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened 
not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, 
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he open- 
eth not his mouth. 

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and 
who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out 
of the land of the living: for the transgression of my 
people was he stricken. 

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the 
rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither 
was any deceit in his mouth. 

[140] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, whose 
goodness never faileth, as a family we unite 
our voices in praise and worship. We bow before 
Thee to express our gratitude for all Thy tender 
mercies toward us. Thou hast caused us to hope 
and trust in Thee, and Thy promises have never 
failed. We thank Thee for the wonderful prophecy 
concerning the Saviour, which we have just read, 
and for its gracious fulfilment. May it bring anew 
to our minds Thy great love in giving Jesus Christ 
Thy Son for our redemption. As we think of 
the great sacrifice He made for us, and of all that 
He suffered in our behalf, may we dedicate our- 
selves anew to Him and to His service. Give us 
a fuller comprehension of the matchless love of 
the Saviour, and help us to love Him better and to 
be more constant in our devotion to Him. May 
we manifest Him each hour of this day, by trying 
to carry out His spirit in all that we say and in all 
that we do. We sometimes sing, "I love Thy 
Kingdom, Lord.'' May we so love it that we 
shall do all we possibly can for its growth and 
prosperity in every part of the world. In the 
name of Jesus. Amen. 



[141] 



WEDNESDAY 

THE TEARS OF JESUS 

Luke 19: 41-48 

AND when he was come near, he beheld the city, 
and wept over it. 

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in 
this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! 
but now they are hid from thine eyes. 

For the days shall come upon upon thee, that thine 
enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass 
thee round, and keep thee in on every side. 

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy chil- 
dren within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one 
stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time 
of thy visitation. 

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out 
them that sold therein, and them that bought; 

Saying unto them. It is written. My house is the house 
of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. 

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief 
priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought 
to destroy him, 

And could not find what they might do: for all the 
people were very attentive to hear him. 



[142] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

OTHOU King Eternal, we come to Thee be- 
cause Thou art our Father and we are as- 
sured of Thy love. Thou hast promised forgive- 
ness for all who humbly confess their sins. We 
come in the name of Jesus Christ, praying that 
Thou wilt remove our transgressions far from us, 
and that Thou wilt give us hearts in which the 
Holy Spirit may abide. We praise Thee that 
Jesus wept over the death of a friend, that He 
manifested His humanity in the presence of sorrow. 
What a comfort that has been to us in the midst 
of grief! We praise Thee, too, that He wept over 
a city, as He thought of its approaching destruction. 
We believe He is grieved as He beholds the wicked- 
ness in many of our cities today. Grant, we be- 
seech Thee, that citizenship may mean more than 
it does to many. May it be seen that it involves 
responsibility, and may Thy followers in every city 
of our land strive for better conditions, that wicked- 
ness may decrease and that righteousness may 
prevail. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[143] 



THURSDAY 

HOW TO PRAY 

Luke 18: 1-14 

AND he spake a parable unto them to this end, that 
men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not 
God, neither regarded man: 

And there was a widow in that city; and she came 
unto him, saying. Avenge me of mine adversary. 

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said 
within himself. Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge 
her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 

And the Lord said. Hear what the unjust judge saith. 

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry 
day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. . . . 

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in 
themselves that they were righteous, and despised others; 

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a 
Pharisee, and the other a publican. 

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, 
I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, 
unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up 
so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his 
breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified 
rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself 
shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be 
exalted. 

[144] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

OHOLY Father, incline Thine ear unto us as 
we come into Thy presence. We offer Thee 
devout praise for Thy great love toward us, in the 
name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, who has said 
that men ought always to pray and not to faint. 
We are bidden to pray without ceasing, and it is 
possible for us to be always in a spirit of prayer. 
Deliver us from doubt if answers to our prayers 
seem to be delayed. We thank Thee that our 
continual coming never wearies Thee. Teach us 
the meaning of the parable of the Pharisee and the 
publican. Help us to come before Thee humbly, 
and not to regard ourselves as better than other 
men, and therefore entitled to the blessings we 
seek. Rather may we come confessing our sins and 
shortcomings, praying, "God be merciful to me a 
sinner," remembering that "every one that exalt- 
eth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth 
himself shall be exalted." "If we say that we 
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth 
is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful 
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness," through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 



[145] 



FRIDAY 

THE WATER OF LIFE 

John 4: 5-14 

THEN cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called 
Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob 
gave to his son Joseph. 

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being 
wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it 
was about the sixth hour. 

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: 
Jesus saith unto her. Give me to drink. 

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to 
buy meat.) 

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him. How is 
it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am 
a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with 
the Samaritans. 

Jesus answered and said unto her. If thou knewest 
the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me 
to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would 
have given thee living water. 

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to 
draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast 
thou that living water? 

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave 
us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, 
and his cattle? 

Jesus answered and said unto her. Whosoever drink- 
eth of this water shall thirst again: 

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him 
shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall 
be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 

[146] 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father, we bring Thee this morning our 
offering of praise for the gift of a Saviour, 
and we ask that He may ever be present in our 
home. When He walked among men He brought 
joy and peace to many a home, and He was ever 
a welcome Guest. May we gladly receive Him, 
and may He never depart from us. We thank 
Thee that while Jesus came to save the world He 
was so often pleased to talk with individuals, even 
with strangers. Grant that we may find a lesson 
and a blessing in what we have read concerning 
His talk with the woman of Samaria. Help us to 
see that our Lord is familiar with all the details 
of our lives; and may this fact make us very care- 
ful how we live, that our conduct may always be 
well pleasing to Him. We are thankful for His 
promise, ''Whosoever drinketh of the water that 
I shall give him shall never thirst." We thank 
Thee, too, for the assurance, "Blessed are they 
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for 
they shall be filled." We would say with the 
Psalmist, "As the hart panteth after the water 
brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." 
Our Father, graciously direct all efforts put forth 
for the winning of men to Thy service, not alone 
in our own land but throughout the world. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 

[147] 



SATURDAY 

THE WITHERED HAND 

Mark 3: 1-10 

AND he entered again into the synagogue; and there 
was a man there which had a withered hand. 

And they watched him, whether he would heal him 
on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 

And he saith unto the man which had the withered 
hand, Stand forth. 

And he saith unto them. Is it lawful to do good on 
the sabbath days, or to do evil.f^ to save life, or to 
kill? But they held their peace. 

And when he had looked round about on them with 
anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, 
he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And 
he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole 
as the other. 

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took 
counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might 
destroy him. 

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the 
sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, 
and from Judaea, 

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from, 
beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great 
multitude, when they had heard what great things he 
did, came unto him. 

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should 
wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should 
throng him. 

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed 
upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 

[148] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

LIFT upon us the light of Thy countenance, our 
Father, that we may behold Thee, and greatly 
rejoice. Make us pure in heart, that Thy promise 
may be fulfilled in us, ''Blessed are the pure in 
heart, for they shall see God." We pray that we 
may find a lesson for ourselves in the man with 
the withered hand. We think of him as helpless 
and almost hopeless, and yet, at the command of 
Jesus, he did what had before seemed quite im- 
possible — he stretched forth his hand and it was 
restored whole as the other. Our Lord and Master, 
how often our hands seem helpless and useless. 
There is work for our hands to do, but they hang 
helpless. There is need to stretch out our hands 
in helpfulness to others, but we seem to lack power 
and strength. Many causes need helping hands, 
but ours are idle and useless. We dare believe, 
our Father, that Thou hast need for the work of 
our hands. O, help us to hear the voice of the 
Saviour saying, ''Stretch forth thy hand," and 
with the command may power be given us to stretch 
forth our hands and use them in Thy name and in 
Thy service. We pray that the love of Jesus 
Christ may so prevail among men that distrust 
and suspicion shall cease, and men shall deal justly 
and kindly in their relations with one another. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 

[149] 



SUNDAY 

THE WORD OF GOD 

Psalm 119: 105-11^ 

THY word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto 
my path. 

I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep 
thy righteous judgments. 

I am afflicted very much : quicken me, O Lord, accord- 
ing unto thy word. 

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my 
mouth, Lord, and teach me thy judgments. 

My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not for- 
get thy law. 

The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not 
from thy precepts. 

Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever: 
for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes 
always, even unto the end. 



[150] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



ON the morning of this Thy day we offer Thee, 
our Father, the praise of our hearts and hps. 
During another week Thy goodness and mercy 
have been manifest in Thy loving care over us. 
We entreat Thee, forgive our mistakes, our forget- 
fulness of Thee and of the teaching of Thy Word. 
We thank Thee that we need not walk in darkness 
or uncertainty, for Thy Word is a lamp unto our 
feet, and a light unto our path. What a gracious 
gift Thy Word is! How often we have found hope 
and joy in its blessed promises, and how it has 
comforted us in seasons of sorrow! We pray that 
we may have greater reverence for Thy Word, 
and that we may resort to it in times of temptation 
or diflSculty. May we enter joyfully into Thy 
worship this day, and may our meditations of Thee 
be sweet. Grant that we may have fellowship and 
communion with our Lord and Master, Jesus 
Christ. In His name. Amen. 



[151] 



MONDAY 

JESUS m GETHSEMANE 

Matt. 26: 36-46 

THEN Cometh Jesus with them unto a place called 
Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye 
here, while I go and pray yonder. 

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebe- 
dee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrow- 
ful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and 
prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this 
cup pass from me : nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou 
wilt. 

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them 
asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch 
with me one hour? 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: 
the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

He went away again the second time, and prayed, 
saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away 
from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 

And he came and found them asleep again: for their 
eyes were heavy. 

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed 
the third time, saying the same words. 

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, 
Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at 
hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands 
of sinners. 

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth 
betray me. 

[152] 



MONDAY 



PRAYER 



LOVING Father, it is fitting that we should 
offer Thee sincere praise and worship. Our 
hearts are stirred as we think of the suffering of 
Jesus in Gethsemane, and we are impressed anew 
by what He endured for us. Only by Thy grace 
shall we be able to say, "Nevertheless, not as I 
will, but as thou wilt," when we come to Thee with 
our petitions. We pray daily, ''Thy will be done," 
and we know that Thy will is always best for us. 
Deliver us, we beseech Thee, from relying upon our 
own wills, and help us to seek constantly to have 
Thy will prevail in our lives. We cannot always 
know what is best for us, but we can safely trust 
a loving Father to give what we most need, and to 
withhold the things we ask for if they are not for 
our highest well-being. Increase our trust in Thee, 
Most Merciful Father, and help us above all else 
to seek Thy glory, and we will ever praise Thee, 
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[153] 



A 



TUESDAY 

THE GREAT DELIVERANCE 

Exodus 14: 13-25 

ND Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand 
still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he 
will shew to you to day : for the Egyptians whom ye have 
seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your 
peace. . . . 

And the Angel of God, which went before the camp of Is- 
rael, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the 
cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and 
the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to 
them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one 
came not near the other all the night. 

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and 
the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east 
wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the 
waters were divided. 

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the 
sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall 
unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them 
to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his 
chariots, and his horsemen. 

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the 
Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians . . . 

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave 
them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee 
from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them 
against the Egyptians. 

[154] 



TUESDAY 



PRAYER 



BECAUSE of Thy fatherly care, O God, we 
are entering upon a new day. Accept the 
thanks we bring for Thy watchfulness during the 
hours of sleep. Impress upon our minds and hearts 
the portion of Scripture we have just read. We 
praise Thee that Thy real Presence accompanied 
Israel, and that Thou didst reward the faith of 
Thy servant, by removing what seemed impossible 
barriers and turning threatened defeat into a glori- 
ous victory. In our journey of life, how greatly 
we need Thy presence and guidance! We are con- 
stantly meeting diflSculties and discouragements 
that cannot be overcome by our own wisdom and 
strength, and we can face and conquer them only 
by divine aid. Grant us Thy presence this day, 
and, trusting in Thee, we may be strong and of 
good courage. We ask for Thy loving kindness to 
be shown toward all those who are dear to us. 
Hear our prayer, O Lord, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[155] 



WEDNESDAY 

BELIEVING AND DOING 

James 2: 14-26 

WHAT doth it profit, my brethren, though a man 
say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith 
save him? 

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily 
food. 

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be 
ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them 
not those things which are needful to the body; what 
doth it profit? 

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

Yea, a man may say. Thou hast faith, and I have 
works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I 
will shew thee my faith by my works. 

Thou belie vest that there is one God; thou doest well: 
the devils also believe, and tremble. 

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without 
works is dead? 

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when 
he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by 
works was faith made perfect? 

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham 
believed God, and it was imputed unto him for right- 
eousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, 
and not by faith only. . . . 

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith 
without works is dead also. 

[156] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

GRACIOUS Lord and Master, we approach 
Thee with minds that are devout, and with 
spirits that are contrite. We dare beheve that 
Thou didst expect us to come, for Thou hast gra- 
ciously invited us to enter Thy presence and make 
known our desires. Help us to a clearer under- 
standing of the Scripture we have read. We know 
what an important thing faith is, even in our every- 
day dealing with others, and that in the spiritual 
realm it is impossible to please Thee without faith. 
Keep us from placing too much value upon works, 
for we realize that there is little merit in what 
we do, and that only by grace are we saved. We 
beseech Thee, increase our faith, for we know that 
all things are possible to him that believeth; and 
help us to work unceasingly in the cause of our 
Master. We praise Thee that Thou dost never 
fail us. Thou art a never-failing source of help 
and strength. Live in us, and manifest Thyself 
in our lives, that we may be full of faith and good 
works, and the praise shall be Thine, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



[1571 



THURSDAY 

THE FORGIVING SPIRIT 

Luke 17: 3-10 

TAKE heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass 
against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive 
him. 

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, 
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I 
repent; thou shalt forgive him. 

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 

And the Lord said. If ye had faith as a grain of mustard 
seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree. Be thou 
plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; 
and it should obey you. 

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding 
cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come 
from the field. Go and sit down to meat? 

And will not rather say unto him. Make ready where- 
with I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have 
eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and 
drink? 

Doth he thank that servant because he did the things 
that were commanded him? I trow not. 

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things 
which are commanded you, say. We are unprofitable 
servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 



[158] 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



ALMIGHTY God, our Father, we thank Thee 
for the wonderful teaching and the gracious 
example of Jesus in the matter of forgiveness. With 
the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful. Thou 
hast taught us by Thy Word and by our own expe- 
rience that the Lord is gracious and full of com- 
passion, slow to anger, and of great mercy. We 
pray daily to be forgiven as we forgive, and yet we 
sometimes lack a spirit of forgiveness toward those 
who oflfend us. Help us to be patient and con- 
siderate toward others, and keep us from unkind 
judgment. Thou hast not dealt with us after our 
sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities, 
for as the heaven is high above the earth, so great 
has been Thy mercy toward us. We praise Thee 
that the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to 
everlasting. Remembering Thy patience and for- 
bearance, may we have the spirit of our Master 
in our attitude toward those who need our forgive- 
ness. We commend to Thy loving care all the 
members of our family circle. Hear us, we pray 
Thee, in Jesus' name. Amen, 



[159] 



FRIDAY 

THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER 

Acts 16. 25-34 

AND at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang 
praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that 
the foundations of the prison were shaken: and imme- 
diately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands 
were loosed. 

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, 
and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, 
and would have killed himself, supposing that the prison- 
ers had been fled. 

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself 
no harm: for we are all here. 

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came 
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 

And brought them out, and said. Sirs, what must I 
do to be saved? 

And they said. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and 
to all that were in his house. 

And he took them the same hour of the night, and 
washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, 
straightway. 

And when he had brought them into his house, he set 
meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with 
all his house. 



[160] 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father in Heaven, we cannot hope to 
avoid things that cause perplexity and pain, 
but it is our great privilege in every trying hour 
to turn to God, who is able to give us a tranquil 
mind and a gentle spirit. We thank Thee for the 
example given us in Thy servants Paul and Silas, 
who, though beaten and imprisoned, prayed and 
sang praises at midnight. We praise Thee that 
even in their pain and suffering they preached 
Christ, and were the instruments in Thy hands 
of bringing salvation to the jailer and his household. 
Thou didst not only give them grace to endure, 
but Thou didst also give them deliverance from 
prison. Enable us, O Lord, to maintain our loyalty 
to Thee and our trust in Thee, in whatever circum- 
stances we may be placed. Wilt Thou order all 
the events of our lives, and, though we may not 
always understand Thy dealings with us, may it 
be suflScient for us to know that a loving Father 
is so directing, that all things shall work together 
for good. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
Amen. 



[161] 



SATURDAY 

THE GRACE OF GIVING 

II Cor. 8: 1-12 

MOREOVER, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace 
of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance 
of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the 
riches of their liberality. 

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond 
their power they were willing of themselves; 

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive 
the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the minis- 
tering to the saints. 

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their 
own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, 
so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 

Therefore^ as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and 
utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in 
your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the 
forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of 
your love. 

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, 
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, 
that ye through his poverty might be rich. . . . 

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there 
was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance 
also out of that which ye have. 

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted ac- 
cording to that a man hath, and not according to that 
he hath not. 

[162] 



SATURDAY 



PRAYER 



THOU Giver of all good, may this lesson we 
have read be remembered by us. We rejoice 
in the liberality of the early Christians, and we 
pray that we may have grace to try to follow their 
example of generous giving. Our Lord Jesus Christ, 
though He was rich, for our sake became poor, 
that through His poverty we might become rich. 
We pray that the giving of ourselves to Thee may 
be so real and complete, that it will not be diflScult 
for us to give of our means for causes that will 
advance Thy Kingdom. May we not measure our 
giving by what others give, but rather by the 
need and by our ability. We would have willing 
minds and give as the Lord has prospered us. Help 
us to regard giving, like praying, as an act of wor- 
ship, and may we give in such a manner as will 
be well pleasing to Thee. To Thee we consecrate 
our minds, our hearts, our time, and our means, 
praying that all that we have and all that we are 
may be used for the glory of our Lord and Master, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[163] 



SUNDAY 

REJOICING IN GOD 

Psalm 95 

OCOME, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make 
a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. 

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, 
and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above 
all gods. 

In his hand are the deep places of the earth : the strength 
of the hills is his also. 

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed 
the dry land. 

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel 
before the Lord our maker. 

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, 
and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his 
voice, 

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and 
as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw 
my work. 

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, 
and said. It is a people that do err in their heart, and 
they have not known my ways: 

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should 
not enter into my rest. 



[164] 



SUNDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Heavenly Father, help us to sing praises 
to Thee, to make a joyful noise to the Rock 
of our salvation. May Thy people draw near 
Thee in every act of worship: in the preaching of 
the Word, in the reading of the Scriptures, in audi- 
ble and silent prayer, and in the hymns of praise. 
Look with pity upon those who fail to comprehend 
the divine purpose of the day, and help us all to 
realize more fully how much we need the Sabbath 
day for the renewal of our strength, both spiritual 
and physical. We pray for the presence of Thy 
Holy Spirit in every worshiping congregation, and 
may many be led to seek the Lord Jesus Christ. 
We beseech Thee, dwell in us, and help us so to live 
that our influence may always be for good. Teach 
us the power of example, and forbid that we should 
say or do anything that will hinder others from 
following Thee. We would ever show forth Thy 
praise. Hear us, we entreat Thee, in the name of 
our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



[165] 



MONDAY 

MAKING EXCUSE 

Luke 14: 15-24 

AND when one of them that sat at meat with him 
heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed 
is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great 
supper, and bade many: 

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them 
that were bidden. Come; for all things are now ready. 

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. 
The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, 
and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me 
excused. 

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, 
and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 

And another said, I have married a wife, and there- 
fore I cannot come. 

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. 
Then the master of the house being angry said to his 
servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the 
city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and 
the halt, and the blind. 

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast 
commanded, and yet there is room. 

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the 
highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that 
my house may be filled. 

For I say unto you. That none of those men which 
were bidden shall taste of my supper. 



[166] 



MONDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Lord and Saviour, to whom shall we go 
but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of 
eternal life. Thou art the Way, the Truth, and 
the Life, and we praise Thee that the way is ever 
open for us to approach God. May the Holy 
Spirit inspire our petitions, that we may pray 
aright, and that our seeking may be in accordance 
with the divine will. We thank Thee, our Father, 
for the gracious word. Come, so often uttered by 
our Lord. Help us to heed it, and keep us from 
beginning to make excuse. We sometimes excuse 
ourselves from the performance of important duties, 
for reasons no more valid than those given in the 
parable we have just read, and thus forfeit bless- 
ings that might have been ours. May Thy grace 
enable us to make ready response to the invitations 
of our Saviour, whether they be to commune with 
Him, or to perform some service in His name that 
we should gladly render, no matter what sacrifice 
may be called for. Keep us, our Father, from 
making excuses when Jesus bids us. Come. For 
His sake. Amen. 



[167] 



TUESDAY 

THE FIERY FURNACE 

Dan. 3:16-25 

OHADRACH, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and 
^ said to the king, Nebuchadnezzar, we are not 
careful to answer thee in this matter. 

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver 
us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver 
us out of thine hand, O king. 

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we 
will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image 
which thou hast set up. 

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the 
form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, 
Meshach, and Abed-nego : therefore he spake, and com- 
manded that they should heat the furnace one seven 
times more than it was wont to be heated. 

And he commanded the most mighty men that were 
in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, 
and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. . . . 

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- 
nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery 
furnace. 

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and 
rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his coun- 
sellors. Did not we cast three men bound into the midst 
of the fire.^ They answered and said unto the king, 
True, O king. 

He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walk- 
ing in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and 
the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 

[168] 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR God and Father, truly Thou art able to de- 
liver those who put their trust in Thee. Teach 
us, we pray Thee, from this Old Testament record of 
Thy faithful followers, that though we may be called 
upon to suflPer fiery trials, we may be sure that the 
divine presence will enable us to endure them. Help 
us to be so loyal and true to Thee, and so firm in 
our refusal to violate our sense of what is right, that 
others may see that we have the companionship of 
the Son of God, our Saviour. We are weak and need 
Thy presence and help. We know not what the 
events of this day may be, what diflSculties we may 
meet, what temptations may assail us. It may be 
that opportunities for service will be presented, 
service that may require self-sacrifice. May we have 
grace to meet every hindrance with courage and with 
faith in Thee, and may no chance for doing good be 
neglected. We beseech Thee, be Thou our Guide 
and our strength. Teach us the meaning of Christian 
citizenship, that we may make our civic duties sa- 
cred by performing them faithfully, and with an 
earnest desire for the good of others. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



[169] 



WEDNESDAY 

CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER 

IJohn5:l-15 

^^ THOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the Christ 
V V is born of God: and every one that loveth him 
that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 

By this we know that we love the children of God, 
when we love God, and keep his commandments. 

For this is the love of God, that we keep his command- 
ments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: 
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even 
our faith. 

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that 
believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.^ . . . 

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness 
in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a 
liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave 
of his Son. 

And this is the record, that God hath given to us 
eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not 
the Son of God hath not life. 

These things have I written unto you that believe on 
the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that 
ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name 
of the Son of God. 

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, 
if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, 
we know that we have the petitions that we desired 
of him. 

[170] 



WEDNESDAY 



PRAYER 



WE extol Thee, Thou who art the King of 
kings, as we humbly bow in Thy presence. 
We have nothing to commend ourselves to Thee, 
but in calling upon Thy name we are responding 
to the gracious invitation of a loving Father. We 
thank Thee for this testimony of Thy disciple 
John concerning prayer, "And this is the confidence 
that we have in him, that, if we ask anything ac- 
cording to his will, he heareth us; and if we know 
that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that 
we have the petitions that we desired of him." 
We praise Thee, this has been our experience, too, 
concerning prayer, and we have learned that when 
we ask according to Thy will. Thou dost graciously 
answer our petitions. Thou dost bestow Thy favor 
upon us even beyond our asking. Accept our 
grateful thanks for the many unasked blessings we 
have received at Thy hands. Our Lord and Master, 
increase our confidence and trust in Thee and in 
Thy Word. We commend our loved ones to Thy 
keeping, praying that Thou wilt deliver them from 
all evil. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
Amen. 



[171] 



THURSDAY 

THE WALK TO EMMAUS 

Luke 24: 13-29 

AND, behold, two of them went that same day to 
a village called Emmaus, which was from Jeru- 
salem about threescore furlongs. . . . 

And it came to pass, that, while they communed 
together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and 
went with them. . . . 

And he said unto them. What manner of communica- 
tions are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, 
and are sad.^^ 

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answer- 
ing said unto him. Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, 
and hast not known the things which are come to pass 
there in these days.^^ 

And he said unto them, What things? And they said 
unto him. Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a 
prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all 
the people: 

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him 
to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 

But we trusted that it had been he which should have 
redeemed Israel . . . 

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he 
expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things 
concerning himself. 

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they 
went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 

But they constrained him, saying. Abide with us: 
for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And 
he went in to tarry with them. 

[172] 



THURSDAY 



PRAYER 



OUR Father, who art in Heaven, we cannot 
read of this walk to Emmaus of Jesus and 
the two disciples without wishing we might have 
shared the companionship of the Master. As Thou 
didst teach these disciples, so wilt Thou teach us 
that when we journey we may have the presence 
of the Saviour, and that when we walk in sadness 
He is at hand and will walk with us. May our 
hearts burn within us as our Lord opens to us the 
Scriptures and makes plain the things concerning 
Himself. We cannot but think how great a bless- 
ing the two disciples would have missed had they 
not invited Jesus to enter and abide in the home. 
Our Lord and Master, we entreat Thee, abide in 
our home, and make it a place where Thy presence 
will ever be welcome. Walk with us today, and 
help us to feel Thy nearness and Thy readiness to 
give help and strength. Our Father, we ask all 
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



[173] 



FRIDAY 

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE 

James 3: 1-10 

MY brethren, be not many masters, knowing that 
we shall receive the greater condemnation. 

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend 
not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also 
to bridle the whole body. 

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they 
may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 

Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, 
and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about 
with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor 
listeth. 

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth 
great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire 
kindleth! 

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the 
tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole 
body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is 
set on fire of hell. 

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, 
and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed 
of mankind: 

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, 
full of deadly poison. 

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and there- 
with curse we men, which are made after the similitude 
of God. 

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. 
My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 

[174] 



FRIDAY 

PRAYER 

WE pray, our Father, that we may be taught 
the lesson we should learn from the portion 
of Thy Word we have read. Thou knowest how 
difficult it sometimes seems for us to control our 
words, and how often we have said things that we 
wish had never been uttered. Thou hast given 
us our tongues, as well as our hands and our feet, 
and we believe Thou wilt hold us responsible for 
the use we make of them. We thank Thee for the 
power of speech: that it is possible for us to glorify 
Thee with our tongues. May they never be em- 
ployed in a way that will bring pain to others, and 
may we remember that a word spoken in kindness 
may sometimes prove a balm to one in trouble, 
while a cruel word may cause infinite sorrow to 
some sensitive one. Keep our hearts aglow with 
Thy love, that our tongues may not be unruly mem- 
bers. Our Lord and Saviour, have us in Thy keep- 
ing this day. Defend us from harmful influences, 
and give us the strength and courage to be true 
to Thee. For the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 
Amen. 



[175] 



SATURDAY 

THE TESTING OF FAITH 

Matt. 15: 22-31 

AND, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the 
same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy 
on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is griev- 
ously vexed with a devil. 

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples 
came and besought him, saying. Send her away; for she 
crieth after us. 

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto 
the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 

Then came she and worshipped him, saying. Lord, 
help me. 

But he answered and said. It is not meet to take the 
children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 

And she said. Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the 
crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, 
great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. 
And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. 

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto 
the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and 
sat down there. 

And great multitudes came unto him, having with 
them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and 
many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and 
he healed them : . 

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they 
saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the 
lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified 
the God of Israel. 

[176] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

ON bended knee we call upon Thy name, Most 
Merciful Father, seeking a morning blessing. 
We ask Thee to bless the members of our house- 
hold at the beginning of another day, that every 
duty may be faithfully performed, and that each 
hour may be profitably spent. We thank Thee for 
the privilege of prayer. May we never make use 
of it in a thoughtless or indifferent manner. For- 
give us that we sometimes ask for a blessing and 
fail to expect it. Keep us from discouragement 
when answer to prayer seems long delayed. It 
may be that we need to have our faith tested, as 
the faith of the woman of Canaan was tested. 
Then wilt Thou give us grace to persist, with greater 
earnestness and faith, assured that our prayer shall 
be answered. Then we may have the blessing we 
seek, and the added joy of the Saviour's commenda- 
tion, "Great is thy faith." We pray that each day 
we may experience the joy of service, and may Thy 
Holy Spirit guide us in all that we attempt to do 
in the name of Him who gave Himself for us, Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



[1771 



SUNDAY 

TWO SABBATH INCIDENTS 

Matt. 12: 1-13 

AT that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through 
the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and 
began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, 
Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do 
upon the sabbath day. 

But he said imto them. Have ye not read what David 
did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 

How he entered into the house of God, and did eat 
the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, 
neither for them which were with him, but only for 
the priests .f^ ... 

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have 
mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned 
the guiltless. 

For the Son of man is Lord, even of the sabbath 
day. . . . 

And, behold, there was a man which had his hand 
withered. And they asked him, saying. Is it lawful to 
heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 

And he said unto them, What man shall there be 
among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into 
a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and 
lift it out? 

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Where- 
fore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 

Then saith he to the man. Stretch forth thine hand. 
And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, 
like as the other. 

[178] 



SUNDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father, we thank Thee for the blessed 
privilege of coming into Thy presence. Purify 
and cleanse our hearts, we pray Thee, and direct 
us in all that we undertake in Thy name today. 
We need not be in doubt as to what to do, or what 
to refrain from doing on the Sabbath. We have 
Thy commands and the example of our Saviour 
to guide us. First of all, wilt Thou give us a sin- 
cere desire rightly to observe the day; so to spend 
it that we shall feel that in no hour of the day 
have we been without the companionship of Jesus. 
As He went about doing good on the Sabbath, so 
may we not let the day pass without some work 
of mercy or some word of helpfulness. We cannot 
please Thee with mere forms of religion, but we 
can render real service to Thee by striving to serve 
others in Thy name. Help us to be drawn nearer 
Thee in worship and praise, and may we be glad 
and rejoice in Thee. We would yield to Thee the 
control of our hearts and minds, that in our lives 
may be seen the spirit of our Lord. Hear us, in 
His name. Amen. 



[1791 



MONDAY 

HEARERS AND DOERS OF THE 
WORD 

Matt. 7: 21-29 

NOT every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall 
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that 
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we 
not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast 
out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: 
depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, 
and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which 
built his house upon a rock: 

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the 
winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: 
for it was founded upon a rock. 

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, 
and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, 
which built his house upon the sand: 

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the 
winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and 
great was the fall of it. 

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these say- 
ings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 

For he taught them as one having authority, and not 
as the scribes. 



[180] 



MONDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father, we come before Thee this morn- 
ing with gratitude for Thy loving kindness 
toward us. Refreshed with rest and sleep, we 
begin the day praying for Thy presence and guidance. 
Help us to remember the words of Jesus, "Not 
every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter 
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the 
will of my Father." We need to be reminded that 
something more is required of us than merely pro- 
fessing to be Thy followers; that the real test of 
discipleship is obedience, the doing of Thy will. 
Forbid that we should be hearers of Thy Word 
only, and not doers. Forgive us that we so often 
hear Thy Word without heeding it. Open our 
eyes, that we may behold wondrous things out of 
Thy law. We pray that our faith may be estab- 
lished on a firm foundation, the Rock, Christ 
Jesus, and then nothing can prevail against us. 
Each day Thou dost give us new opportunities for 
service. May we not be found wanting if, led in 
ways of Thine, we are called upon to practice self- 
denial. We beseech Thee, our Father, that the 
peace on earth and good will to men, proclaimed 
in the angels' song, may be realized. May social 
unrest give place to trust and confidence and good 
will. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[181] 



TUESDAY 

THE FRIENDSHIP OF 
DAVID AND JONATHAN 

I Sam. 20: 30-42 

THEN Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, 
and he said unto him. Thou son of the perverse 
rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen 
the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the 
confusion of thy mother's nakedness? 

For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, 
thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Where- 
fore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall 
surely die. . . . 

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan 
went out into the field at the time appointed with David, 
and a httle lad with him. 

And he said unto his lad. Run, find out now the arrows 
which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow 
beyond him. 

And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow 
which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, 
and said. Is not the arrow beyond thee.^ 

And Jonathan cried after the lad. Make speed, haste, 
stay not. ... 

And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of 
a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, 
and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one 
another, and wept one with another until David exceeded. 

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch 
as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, 
saying. The Lord be between me and thee, and between 
my seed and thy seed for ever. 

[182] 



w 



TUESDAY 

PRAYER 

E thank Thee, our Father, for human 
friendships, and for all they have meant 
in our lives. We look upon one who is friendless 
as being deprived of one of life's richest blessings. 
We are grateful for the friends Thou has given us, 
for their loyalty, for their wise counsels, and for 
the joy and comfort their friendship has afforded 
us. Help us to be friends to those who are in need 
of friendliness, and forbid that we should do any- 
thing to forfeit the friendships we have made. We 
cannot suflBciently praise Thee that we have a 
Friend in Jesus, who is our best Friend — One who 
sticketh closer than a brother. We have His as- 
surance, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever 
I command you.'' What blessedness, to be the 
friends of the Son of God, to whom we may go with 
our troubles and difficulties, and seek His guidance 
and help! We would not knowingly cause a friend 
pain or sorrow. How much more should we strive 
to avoid doing anything that will grieve our Lord 
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hear us, in His name, 
we pray Thee. Amen. 



[1831 



WEDNESDAY 

THE JOY OF SERVICE 

Matt. 25: 31-40 

WHEN the Son of man shall come in his glory, and 
all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit 
upon the throne of his glory: 

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he 
shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd 
divideth his sheep from the goats: 

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the 
goats on the left. 

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand. 
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 
pared for you from the foundation of the world: 

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was 
thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye 
took me in: 

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited 
me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying. Lord, 
when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee.^^ or thirsty, 
and gave thee drink? 

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in.^^ or 
naked, and clothed thee.^^ 

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came 
unto thee? 

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily 
I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one 
of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 



[184] 



WEDNESDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Father and our Friend, we sometimes 
wish that we might have been among those 
who ministered to our Lord when He walked among 
men. How gladly we would have shared the priv- 
ilege of being near Him, and anticipating His every 
wish! We praise Thee, a still greater privilege is 
ours: we can always have Him with us, and with 
the eye of faith we may behold Him, and He may 
become very real to us, by our ministering in His 
name to those who are His needy ones. We realize 
our need of the spirit of our Master, that we may 
be more ready to render loving service and to 
speak words of cheer to those who are less fortunate 
than ourselves. May we be more willing to sacri- 
fice our own comfort, our own time, and our own 
means, in behalf of those whom we may serve. 
We give Thee thanks for the promise of the coming 
of the Son of man in His glory. May we have 
grace so to live that when that great day shall 
come, we may hear the voice of Jesus saying, "Come, 
ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 
pared for you." We ask for Thy blessing upon 
the industrial interests of our land, that the desire 
to serve one another may be uppermost in the 
minds of men. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[185] 



THURSDAY 

PETER'S DENIAL 

John 18: 1-9, 25-27 

WHEN Jesus had spoken these words, he went 
forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, 
where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his 
disciples. 

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: 
for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers 
from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither 
with lanterns and torches and weapons. 

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come 
upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith 
unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed 
him, stood with them. 

As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they 
went backward, and fell to the ground. 

Then asked he them again. Whom seek ye? And 
they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if there- 
fore ye seek me, let these go their way: 

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake. 
Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. . • . 

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They 
said therefore unto him. Art not thou also one of his 
disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. 

One of the servants of the high priest, being his kins- 
man whose ear Peter cut off, saith. Did not I see thee 
in the garden with him? 

Peter then denied again : and immediately the cock crew. 

[186] 



THURSDAY 

PRAYER 

O LOVING Father, when we think of Peter's 
denial and of his sad fall, may we also think 
of his later victory over himself. Teach us, we 
pray Thee, to avoid over-confidence in ourselves, 
for we know that we are subject to temptation, 
and that only by Thy grace and strength shall we 
be able to overcome. When we are disposed to 
think that we never could have done what Peter 
did, may we realize our own danger, and remember 
that we are not always ready to confess Jesus. 
Thou knowest, O Lord, that we sometimes show 
our lack of friendship for our Master by separating 
ourselves from Him and by going where we cannot 
be in His company. Deliver us from a spirit of 
self-assertion and of self-satisfaction, and help us 
to realize more fully our weakness and helplessness. 
May we come to know Jesus better, and to depend 
upon Him more completely. May we yield to 
Thee the control of our thoughts and our actions, 
and may we never be ashamed to confess our Saviour 
before men. In Jesus' name. Amen. 



[187] 



FRIDAY 

THE LOVE OF GOD 

John 3: 14-23 

AND as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilder- 
ness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have eternal life. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn 
the world; but that the world through him might be 
saved. 

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he 
that believeth not is condemned already, because he 
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son 
of God. 

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into 
the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, 
because their deeds were evil. 

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither 
Cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his 
deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought 
in God. 

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into 
the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and 
baptized. 

And John also was baptizing in Mnon near to Salim, 
because there was much water there: and they came, 
and were baptized. 

[188] 



FRIDAY 



PRAYER 



ALMIGHTY God, our Father, we praise Thee, 
we worship Thee, we magnify Thy Holy 
Name, for this great truth that came from the 
lips of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, "For God so loved 
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life/' Thou art a God of 
love. Thou didst first love us, and because of Thy 
great love we have this precious promise of ever- 
lasting life, through the gift of Jesus Christ. We 
never can be worthy of such a wondrous mani- 
festation of love, nor can we show suflScient grati- 
tude, but to such a loving Father we can yield 
obedience and offer the worship of our hearts and 
of our lives. Grant us grace to bear witness to 
Thy great love, by our thought of others, by our 
gentleness and forbearance, and by self-sacrifice and 
devotion. As we remember Thy great gift to us, 
may we hold nothing too precious to give to Thee. 
We pray that our love for Thee may be so deep 
and sincere that it shall find expression every day 
of our Hves. For the sake of Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour. Amen. 



[189] 



SATURDAY 

JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY 

John 12: 1-11 

THEN Jesus six days before the passover came to 
Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been 
dead, whom he raised from the dead. 

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: 
but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with 
him. 

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, 
very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped 
his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the 
odour of the ointment. 

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's 
son, which should betray him, 

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred 
pence, and given to the poor? 

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but be- 
cause he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what 
was put therein. 

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my 
burying hath she kept this. 

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye 
have not always. 

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was 
there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that 
they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from 
the dead. 

But the chief priests consulted that they might put 
Lazarus also to death; 

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went 
away, and believed on Jesus. 

[190] 



SATURDAY 

PRAYER 

OUR Heavenly Father, we pray that as Jesus 
was ever a welcome guest in that Bethany 
home, so may He ever find welcome in our home. 
May it be more natural for us to think of Him 
and talk of Him, and recognize His presence in the 
home, and may His presence glorify our home life. 
We cannot, like Mary, bring a costly offering for the 
anointing of our Saviour, but we can make mani- 
fest our love for Him in ways that will be as well 
pleasing to Him. May we imitate her by offering 
the best we have to our Lord, and nothing that 
we possess is too costly or precious to lavish upon 
Him, when we think of what manner of love He 
has shown for us. Keep us from counting the cost 
when some sacrifice seems to be demanded for 
our Lord's sake, or for the sake of those who are 
His. We thank Thee, our Father, that Thou hast 
called us to discipleship. We are but learners; 
teach us by Thy Holy Spirit the meaning of life, 
that we may fulfil Thy purposes concerning us. 
We pray for the devoted men and women who are 
working and praying in behalf of foreign missions. 
Wilt Thou graciously reward their labors and 
prayers. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



[1911 



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